Published: Friday, 2nd May, 2008 12:00
Peeblesshire says bye-bye to plastic bags!
By Susie Penman
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Members of Peeblesshire Environment Concern with MSP Jeremy Purvis, who chaired the meeting at the Eastgate Theatre.
PASSIONATE Peeblesshire residents met at the Eastgate Theatre on Tuesday to discuss the plight of plastic bags.
The meeting, which was hosted by Peeblesshire Environment Concern and the Peebles Retailers’ Association, was chaired by Jeremy Purvis MSP, with presentations by retailers, environmentalists and activists.
And campaigners, who aim to have the sun to set on Peeblesshire’s bags by October 4, discussed with retailers the benefits—and risks—of purging plastic.
According to Peeblesshire Environment Concern member Lesley Morrison, almost all the shopkeepers in the town had been approached and the response had been generally encouraging and helpful—although, as was pointed out strongly by several retailers in the audience, their business requirement is to respond to the needs of the customer and, if they are asked for a bag, they want to provide one.
“The general discussion afterwards served to emphasise that this such an endeavour is very much a joint exercise between various sections of the community,” Dr Morrison said.
“It was also very clear that the concerns and reservations of
local businesses needed to be addressed and that the organizers should be sensitive to their need to offer customers practical and acceptable means of carrying their purchases.
Mr Purvis said that the Borders leading role in eradicating the bags was a good example of a very strong community spirit in the region, adding: “We have very strong local communities and local campaigners and individuals are prepared to contribute to their community.”
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