Plastic bags banished by council

Plastic bags are to be banned from services run by Lancashire County Council in a bid to cut down on plastic pollution, the authority says.

The initiative will begin at its libraries where re-usable bags will be brought in from November.

A council spokesman said it was vital to take a lead in reviewing which of its own services could be improved.

The authority will be seeking out suitable, sustainable, alternatives for local businesses and residents.

The plan, approved by the county council on Thursday night, will be phased in until the ban comes into effect from April 2009.

Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member of sustainable development, said: "By no longer using carrier bags I hope we can help people to make the change - it only takes a second's thought before you leave the house to remember to take a bag with you.

"Today's notice of motion is about encouraging everyone to get into the habit."