Lib Dems: Time for a Bedford Borough Bag Ban?

4.50.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 3rd Oct 2007

Cllr Paul Whitehead and Bedford Borough Lib Dems are calling for action to cut the environmental and financial damage caused by disposable shopping bags

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats are calling for a public consultation which could lead to a ban on environmentally harmful carrier bags across the Borough. The Lib Dems want to put to the public the question of whether a ban, a levy or a deposit scheme for all plastic and paper shopping bags given out at retailers in the Borough should be introduced.

Commenting on the issue, Liberal Democrat Group Environment Spokesperson Cllr Paul Whitehead said:

"Shopping bags given out free in stores carry a huge environmental and financial cost. They contribute to climate change, cause a huge amount of nuisance in terms of street litter and blocked drains and they increase our council tax bills via landfill taxes. These bags are not designed to be re-used several times and so such problems are almost inevitable unless we take real action. That is why the council must work with retailers to produce proposals that will make a huge difference to the environment in Bedford Borough.'

"We know we can do something about this, so let's start now. The Republic of Ireland has slashed the environmental impact of shopping bags thanks to a levy scheme, other towns across Britain are introducing bans successfully and the 33 London Boroughs have proposed a ban or a levy on shopping bags throughout the capital. Those places have recognised that action needs to be taken, and it is time for action here in Bedford Borough as well. We are not calling for an immediate ban, levy or deposit scheme to be introduced, but instead want the public to be consulted on plans that will allow our borough to take a lead on this vital environmental issue. Local residents care about the local and wider environment. The council must respond to that and give them the chance to set a local and national example in a bold initiative."

Cllr Whitehead's proposal for plans for a ban, levy or deposit scheme to be put to a public consultation will be debated at the meeting of the Borough Council on Wednesday 10th October