THE launch of a new scheme aimed at cutting the use of plastic bags in Machynlleth has been hailed as a “great success” by one of the organisers.

The Benthyg Bag, Borrow-a-bag scheme was officially launched on Thursday, 26 April, with a team of volunteers helping to make special bags that will be available in local shops for shoppers who may not have bags with them.

Jane Rigby, one of the organisers of the scheme which it is hoped will cut the use of plastic bags by letting people borrow bags and then return them after they have finished, said there had been good support to the project and said there are over 200 bags which will be distributed to local shops, including Dyfi Wholefoods, Deco, Machynlleth’s Co-op and Corris’s Idris Stores.

She said: “The event was a great success. We were donated about 130 bags, which were from an obsolete project, from Andy Rowland of Ecodyfi and have included them in the scheme.

“We had many messages of support and 10 people came to make and create, sharing skills and hand sewing as well as machine sewing. There are now over 200 bags ready to distribute.

“The Machynlleth branch of the WI are making bags as their theme on 16 May and the library have said that they will be keen to use the bags.

“Many thanks to everyone for their support.”

Shops taking part in the project will display a specially designed bright blue and orange logo with bags having special tags on them.

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