TWO women have launched a campaign to end single-use plastics in Richmond – starting with a scheme which will allow shoppers to borrow cotton bags for their groceries.

Hilary Plews and Wendy Patch, from Richmond, hope to get most of the shops in the town to be part of the scheme, and have so far had a positive response to the idea.

Ms Patch said she came across the idea when visiting her son in Canada.

She said: "I was at a supermarket and there was a sign that said if people had forgot their bags they could borrow a cloth one and return it later.

"I thought it was such a good idea and wondered if I could make it work here."

The women started the group 'We're Richmond Against Single Use Plastic' (WRAP) and held meetings to gauge the interest. They now have several shops signed up to the scheme and interest from others.

The are also holding a launch event on Saturday, November 2 at Richmond Town Hall from 2.30pm to 4.40pm, where there will be lots of stalls showing people how to make their own cloth bags, either with a sewing machine or just with a pair of scissors and a tee-shirt.

There will also be a workshop session on Sunday, October 20 to make posters, cotton bags and boxes ahead of the launch even in November.

Ms Plews added: "There will be lots of other ideas for cutting out single-use plastics, speakers, and children from SFX School will be getting involved as they are an Eco School.

"This is the time to make a change and we are passionate about helping Richmond use less single-use plastic."

Contact wendyjpatch@gmail.com or celary50@yahoo.co.uk to get involved or find out more.