LIB DEMS URGE COUNCIL TO TACKLE 100 MILLION PLASTIC BAG WASTE

2.23.00pm GMT Wed 14th Nov 2007

Councillor Ann Denham is calling on the Council to take action to reduce the number of plastic bags used and thrown away each year across the Kirklees area.

Councillor Ann Denham (Lib Dem, Almondbury ward) is calling on the Council to take action to reduce the number of plastic bags used and thrown away each year across the Kirklees area.

Over 100 million plastic bags are used by local residents each year, with many simply thrown away. Many end up as litter on the streets and across the countryside, harming wildlife.

Councillor Ann Denham said: "Disposable plastic bags are very wasteful, and cause a lot of environmental damage. It is amazing to think the average person uses around 290 bags per year, meaning over 100 million are used locally each year.

"In Hebdon Bridge the town council has taken steps to make their area a plastic bag free zone. I think it is time Kirklees followed their example and starting working on ways to cut our plastic bag habit.

"Last time we debated this issue, the Conservatives refused to take action, but I hope they will now support my call to improve our local environment and cut waste by tackling plastic bags."