SOLIHULL MP CALLS FOR CULL OF PLASTIC BAGS FROM LOCAL SHOPS

11.09.30am GMT Tue 30th Oct 2007

Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt is calling on shops and supermarkets in Solihull to work together to end the wasteful use of plastic carrier bags.

Mrs Burt has made the call following the results of a constituency wide environment survey conducted last year.

"Responses to my survey clearly indicated a strong concern in Solihull for the environment. Despite peoples' reluctance to pay a tax on plastic bags, there is a clear need to find a local solution to pollution caused by the use of plastic throw-away carrier bags.

"Nearly 17billion plastic bags are used in Britain each year. This is the equivalent to 300 for every person in Solihull, and most of them end up in landfill sites. Others are caught on fences or trees, creating a real eyesore and hazard to wildlife.

"Some local supermarkets have made a start by providing recycling points for returning plastic bags, and also introducing 'bags for life' as an alternative. Reusable bags can be made from cotton, hessian, string, paper or corn starch.

"Already, fifty villages, towns and cities are exploring similar initiatives.

"This presents an ideal opportunity for local shops and supermarkets to work with customers and make a real difference to the growing problem of pollution.