PLANS are underway for Aberystwyth to become the UK’s first plastic-free town.

As Surfers Against Sewage launches its Plastic Free Coastline campaign last week, local surfer and Borth SAS representative Alan Cookson told the Cambrian News about the initiative, and his hopes that Aberystwyth would become the first town in the UK to sign up.

The campaign will see volunteers in Aberystwyth call on businesses to swap three items of disposable plastic for an environmentally friendly alternative, with businesses given insignia and publicised on social media as a plastic-free business.

“We really want Aberystwyth to become the first plastic-free town,” said Mr Cookson.

“For this to happen, we have to do two things. First, we have to ask the town council to give its backing.

“We are meeting with Cllr Alun Williams [county council Cabinet member for waste and environment] to discuss this but he seems really keen. Once we have the support of the town council, we are going to get out around town to engage with businesses.”

At a meeting of Aberystwyth Town Council on Monday, Mr Cookson was joined by Aberystwyth SAS representative, Laura Truelove, and Aberystwyth Beach Buddies’ Chris Woodfield in asking councillors for their backing.

Ms Truelove told councillors: “By supporting our campaign, it would help Aberystwyth achieve plastic-free status. We want Aberystwyth to be the first plastic free town, ever.

“Aberystwyth Town Council will be the first authority to even make this commitment.”

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