POOLE could become a ‘plastic-free’ town if steps are taken to replace single use plastics with sustainable alternatives.

Councillors discussed various options at a committee meeting on Tuesday in response to a motion submitted by Broadstone councillor Mike Brooke in December.

The motion, which was signed by seven other councillors, made a plea to the council to support the Plastic Free Coastlines initiative co-ordinated by Surfers Against Sewage.

The Cornish town of Penzance has already become the first place in the UK to join the initiative and restrict its use of plastic.

In order to be declared ‘plastic-free’, the borough will have to take a number of specific measures, which include removing at least three single use plastic items from local businesses, arranging community events, such as street or beach cleans, and setting up a steering group to co-ordinate the actions.

Councillors who signed the motion are hoping the council will lead changes in the area by removing single-use plastic cups and bottles, among other items.

The recent Blue Planet II series has raised awareness about single use plastics and the environmental damage they cause.

The council currently uses a variety of items from plastic cups in council buildings to plastic straws used by concessions on beaches.

In a report to committee members, environmental development manager Ian Poultney highlighted the projects co-ordinated by the Dorset Coast Forum such as Litter Free Coast and Sea, Refill Dorset, where six local businesses allow members of the public to fill their water bottles up with tap water for free, and The Last Straw, which encourages the reduced use of plastic straws.

“Plastics are lightweight, relatively low cost, versatile and durable, which makes a very desirable product, but these same qualities also make it potentially environmentally damaging if not managed responsibly,” Mr Poultney said.

“In 2017 the council organised or supported approximately 83 litter picks around Poole, and at least 16 of these took place along the coastline. Litter picking equipment (bags, bag hoops, litter picks and gloves) are provided to any community group organising a litter pick in the borough.”

The government published its 25-year Environment Plan in January, which includes a focus on reducing single use plastic waste and work with industries to ensure materials are easier to recycle.

The committee voted to recommend to full council that Poole becomes a ‘single use plastic free’ coastal community.