COLCHESTER Council has launched a campaign to get residents and businesses to ditch single-use plastics in a bid to protect the environment.

The drive, labelled the Colchester Plastic Pledge, begins today and comes after a number of programmes - such as Blue Planet II and more recently, Drowning in Plastics - raised the issue into national consciousness.

As part of the scheme, the council has committed to phasing out singe-use plastics in the organisation and wants residents and firms to come forward with their own pledges.

It is part of the authority’s Better Colchester campaign.

David King, Colchester councillor responsible for resources, who is leading the move, said “I am delighted that the council is launching this campaign to encourage residents and organisations to be more plastic aware and commit to reducing their use of single-use plastics.

“I know some organisations are already taking positive steps towards achieving this, and Wivenhoe House Hotel which has already developed a Plastic Patrol, is a fantastic example of this.

“Recent media about the devastating impact of plastics on our environment is striking a chord with people who are now beginning to consider the products they use and buy.

“This campaign offers organisations the opportunity to show others, including customers, what steps they’re taking to be more environmentally responsible.”

Fellow Lib Dem Martin Goss, Colchester councillor responsible for waste, added: “Public awareness of the impact that plastics are having on wildlife and the environment has grown significantly over the last year.

“Colchester Council is continuing to phase out its own use of single-use plastics and is keen to spread the word and encourage others to do the same to help the environment.

“Imagine the difference our borough could make to this global issue if all those who live and work in the borough pledged to make a change to reduce their use of single-use plastics.”

Oliver Brown, general manager of Wivenhoe House Hotel, added: “We are delighted to commit to the Colchester Plastic Pledge.

“Early in 2018 we launched our Plastic Patrol and Wivenhoe House Hotel has made considerable strides in reducing single-use plastic throughout the hotel.

“Working with staff and suppliers we are constantly looking for more ways to decrease our impact on our environment.”

To make a pledge, go to colchester.gov.uk/colplasticpledge. Residents can also tailor their own pledge and regular draws will be held with prizes such as reuseable bags and water bottles.