Residents shun plastic for cotton

Residents of a Derbyshire market town are trying to cut the number of plastic bags used by producing their own community bag.

Wirksworth has designed and produced a cotton bag which can be bought throughout the town to replace plastic bags currently in use.

One store manager, Jane Hopkinson, said they were now giving out 5,000 fewer plastic bags per week.

Two types of bag - both cotton - are being sold for £1 and £1.20.

Worldwide message

Ms Hopkinson added: "Years ago we used to charge 3p for each carrier bag we gave out and we might start charging again, might make people think more."

More than 1,600 bags have been sold in the town, which represents a quarter of the area's shoppers.

Liz Ormond from environmental group Sustainable Wirksworth, said it was good to see everyone getting involved.

"You might see a Wirksworth bag anywhere in the world now. It's nice that the community can spread the bag and spread the word."