'Make Sidmouth a single-use-plastic free town' petition receives more than 7,500 signatures

A petition calling for more water fountains and bins and an end to the sale of plastic drinks bottles in Sidmouth has attracted more than 7,500 signatures.

Local people and business were asked to consider how they can help reduce waste in the town.

The petition was started by Sidmouth Plastic Warrior and town councillor Denise Bickley, she said: "Sidmouth is a beautiful town that deserves more than being a litter bin - we should be at the forefront of the change coming over the country, where we have all had enough of seeing plastic bags, straws, cups, balloons, and especially bottles, all over the ground, in the rivers, streams and sea, on the beach, in bushes and trees – everywhere.

"Let us take the brave step of encouraging local traders, local people and tourists all alike to look after our beautiful town and find ways to change our throwaway society. We do regular beach and street cleans but this is not enough against the tidal wave of rubbish being thrown away every day.

"We ask that the Town Council:- seriously consider installing water fountains; encourage all local traders to stop selling bottles of drinks; encourage all local supermarkets, restaurants and cafés to stop selling or giving away plastic straws or plastic cutlery; encourage all local cafés to stop selling coffee in non-recyclable cups with plastic lids; provide more recycling bins on the sea front and throughout the town; encourage traders to stop giving away or selling plastic bags; and promote awareness that Sidmouth is a plastic-free town."

Speaking after the petition was closed councillor Bickley told Nub News that support for the petition 'shows there is a huge feeling about single-use plastic locally' and that people know that there needs to be a 'crack down' on the use of single-use plastic in the town. She is also calling on businesses in the town to do their part.

A questionnaire is currently being developed to ask Sidmouth residents about any hurdles they face in recycling these plastics.