Councillor calls for action on ‘plastic free’

The invitation comes from members of the Plastic Free Horncastle Group.

They have asked the town council to consider three measures:

• To lead by example, by removing single-use plastic items from all of its premises and operations within 12 months;

• To actively encourage plastic-free initiatives in the area, promoting such campaigns through social media and other platforms;

• To appoint a representative of the town council to sit on the Horncastle Plastic Free Community Steering Group.

A motion including the three proposals was put to councillors at their monthly meeting by Coun Dominic Hinkins.

Speaking before the meeting, he said: “I have been asked by the Plastic Free Horncastle group to put forward a motion to the town council on supporting their efforts.

“I think this is a great idea.”

In line with many other local authorities, the town council agreed to declare a climate emergency earlier this year, saying it shared residents’ concerns about the widespread and damaging effect of disposable plastics on the environment.

Coun Hinkins says the council is in a ‘unique position’ to lead change at a local level.

The Plastic Free Horncastle Group recently held a marketing and publicity event in the town’s market place.

Spokeswoman Alison Fairchild said the group received ‘fantastic support’ from the public and local businesses.

She added the group was keen to work with the town council, schools and other organisations in the fight to reduce the amount of single-use plastic.