THREE months after the launch of the Plastic Free Chepstow campaign, the town has been recognised by Surfers Against Sewage as one of the UK’s first Plastic Free Communities, and the first in South Wales.

To achieve plastic free status, Chepstow had to demonstrate that local government, community organisations and businesses are acting together to reduce plastic and tackle litter, and the town has risen to this challenge!

Graham Eele, co-ordinator for Plastic Free Chepstow, said: “This is a real achievement, it reflects the commitment shown by the town council, our local independent businesses and other organisations, and our enthusiastic volunteers. But the hard work starts now, helping people to think about how they can cut down on plastic, talking to the supermarket chains, working with Monmouthshire County Council to encourage recycling and really tackling the culture of dropping litter.”

Councillor Lissett Burrett, the town council’s representative for Plastic Free Chepstow, added: “Chepstow Town Council is fully committed to reducing plastic in the town and has passed a resolution to remove single use plastic from its own premises and the events it supports. We are delighted by this news and looking forward to the next steps.”

Plastic Free Chepstow will be launched this weekend, Sunday 10th June, at 12pm at the Sunday Market, which will have the distinction of being the first street market in Wales to be designated plastic free.

More than 30 stalls selling a range of food, crafts and other products will be participating from 11am to 4pm, and all the stallholders have agreed to eliminate single use plastic in favour of more sustainable options (except where required for wrapping products such as raw meat).

There will be musical entertainment and a Plastic Free Chepstow stall where residents can come along and find out more about the initiative.

For more information on planned events, see this week’s Chepstow Beacon, in shops now.