AN MP has welcomed the news that a North-East port has become the first to sign up to a scheme aimed at reducing plastic pollution.
PD Ports, the operator of Teesport, have become the first port anywhere in the country to sign up “Operation Clean Sweep”, the British Plastics Federation’s code of best practice to prevent plastic pollution.
Middlesbrough South and east Cleveland MP Simon Clarke met the BPF earlier this summer to discuss how he could help urge local firms to sign up to “Operation Clean Sweep.”
They explained that Antwerp had recently become the first port in Europe to adopt the standard.
As a result, Mr Clarke was determined to ask Teesport to lead the way in the UK.
He said: “Today’s news is a major step forward in the fight against plastic pollution and will delight the hundreds of my constituents who take part in regular beach cleans at Saltburn and along our local rivers and streams.
"The BPF is doing wonderful work tackling this scourge, and PD Ports deserve great credit for engaging swiftly and decisively as the first UK port to sign up to Operation Clean Sweep."
Jerry Hopkinson, PD Ports vice chair said: "It is important that we all take responsibility for how plastics are managed and disposed of as to not be detrimental to the planet."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here