A FARMER has come up with a business idea which will solve a problem for his colleagues.

David Brown, who has been farm manager at High Waupley Farm in Easington, Saltburn, for 22 years, has come up with a solution to forthcoming EU legislation about the disposal of plastic waste.

The farmer has set up a business with his wife Bridget, called D&B Farm Plastic Removal, which collects clean and dry plastic waste from farms such as silage wrap, fertiliser bags, seed bags and spray containers from farms across the Tees Valley, North Yorkshire and County Durham areas.

The plastic is taken for recycling to Scarborough-based Econoplas, where it is used to produce drainage panels.

Mr Brown charges an annual subscription for the service.

With the support of the North York Moors National Park, which has provided £10,000 of funding to help start the business via the Sustainable Development Fund, D&B is now in operation. A total of 44 farmers have already expressed an interest in the service.

Mr Brown said: "We are a farming family and, as such, are in the best position to help explain to fellow farmers the consequences of the new legislation."

Andrew Kidd, account manager at Business Link, who supported the Browns, said: "David and Bridget's new business venture will provide the farming community with a first-class service for the disposal of their clean plastic waste."

For further information on the business or to register, contact Mr Brown on (01287) 640286. For information on Business Link, contact (0845) 600 9006, or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk