PLASTIC Free Winchester is a community group set up by three local residents to fight the growing misuse of plastic in the Winchester area. Hannah Williams, spokesperson for the group tells us, “We feel that the people of Winchester have a real desire to reduce the amount of single-use plastic they use. Our group, and in particular our facebook page, that can tell people about simple lifestyle changes they can make to achieve this.”

The group are holding a plastic free week in October to coincide with Green Week (October 15-21), where they will ask companies and individuals to take their “plastic free pledge” - to cut out or cut-down on the amount of single use plastic used during that week.

They will be visiting schools and youth projects to talk about single use plastic, and offer them a chance to take part in a marine recycling art project, as well as taking the plastic free pledge.

Plastic Free Winchester will also incorporate a ‘Refill Winchester’ scheme, which will be part of the national scheme to reduce water bottle waste, by publicising the shops and restaurants that agree to refill reusable water bottles free of charge.

The group is kicking of their campaign by hosting a litter pick at Compton Lock near Shawford at 10am on Saturday June 30. Volunteers are requested to bring their own rubbish bags and gloves. The group will meet near the Bridge pub and invite as many people as possible to come and help to show their support.