SHOPPERS in Yate are being encouraged to go plastic bag-free in a bid to help the environment.

Supermarkets and independent shops are being asked to join the anti-carrier bag campaign to cut down on landfill waste and improve the town’s eco-friendly status.

Yate Town Council is behind the project and has already written to major retailers, including Tesco and Morrisons supermarkets, asking staff to think twice before offering plastic bags.

The council is also selling its own reusable cotton shopping bags to try to encourage more people to cut down on carriers.

Cllr Martin Monk, who sits on the allotments and sustainability action working group, said: "Basically, it is a replacement for the plastic bag. Yate Town Council has been selling these bags for several years but now we are trying to push them to make more people start using them."

He said many people in Yate cared about environmental issues and accepted steps needed to be taken to safeguard the planet.

"It can only be a good thing that we give up using plastic bags," he said.

"When you look around Yate there are an awful lot of people already using alternative bags but now it is about getting those people who are stuck in their ways to start using cotton and canvas bags.

"The impetus is there, but we need the publicity to encourage retailers and shoppers to go carrier bag free."

Long and short-handled cotton shopping bags are available to buy from the town council. There are several different designs including a Yate Town Council bag and a Yate and District Twinning Association bag.

To buy a Yate bag visit the town council offices in Poole Court.