A GROUP of campaigners on a mission to unite residents in the fight against single-use plastic have launched Stroud District Action on Plastic.

The new district-wide action group celebrated its launch event by calling on businesses, community groups and individuals to sign up as plastic free champions, committing to reduce reliance on single use plastic.

The community group, which is part of Transition Stroud, a volunteer organisation inspiring action for a more sustainable future, has recently recruited a project coordinator, Chloe Turner, who will be working with groups and residents across the district.

Chloe will be developing new resources and engaging with volunteers who are interested in taking a more active role by helping their communities to reduce single use plastic and make better use of resources.

She will also be working towards obtaining the ‘Surfers Against Sewage’ accreditation of a ‘Plastic Free Community’ status for the whole district.

Catherine Braun, SDC councillor for Wotton-under-Edge said: “There has been cross party support from councillors to take action on plastic and I’m delighted that it is now one of Stroud District Council’s corporate delivery plan objectives.

“The council is fully supporting Stroud District Action on Plastic in this community engagement work to help the whole district achieve 'Plastic Free Community' status.”

James Millar, business engagement lead for the group said: "Action On Plastic can also be an opportunity for local businesses, by responding to consumer demand and reducing packaging costs as well as making business operations more environmentally sustainable.”

The launch event coincided with the start of #PlasticFreeJuly, a global initiative that invites people to make changes to their single use plastic habits for the month of July.

To get involved, or to volunteer as an action on plastic champion email: Chloe at sdap@transitionstroud.org.