ANGLESEY county council members have given their unanimous backing to going plastic free.

The Isle of Anglesey’s full council committed its support to gaining the ‘Plastic Free Status.’

A notice of motion presented by Councillor Dafydd Thomas on Wednesday, February 28, gained the unanimous backing of fellow councillors.

The council will now work towards reducing the use of disposable plastic at its sites and schools; to promote plastic free ventures and encourage local businesses to use less disposable plastic.

Councillors’ backing the move followed the official launch of a joint campaign by Surfers Against Sewage and Save Our Rivers groups at an event in Rhosneigr on Friday evening. The event was attended by Anglesey’s Labour MP Albert Owen.

The group wants Anglesey to become the first local authority in Wales to achieve official “plastic-free” status.

Single-use plastics such as water bottles, disposable cutlery and straws are harming marine wildlife and the environment.

A plastic bottle, discarded on a beach today, could remain in the marine environment for 450 years.

Cllr Thomas, who lives in the seaside village of Trearddur Bay and is a keen coastal walker, explained, “This is a subject very close to my heart as I see so much plastic washed up on our beaches whilst out walking. Bringing this notice of motion before the County Council was designed to show our support for this important campaign and commitment to making a real change.”

He added, “The full council has also pledged to provide a representative to sit on the coastal no-plastic Group. Anglesey councillors’ support today represents a hugely important commitment to help make the whole Island plastic free.”

Sian Sykes, of Surfers Against Sewage, Anglesey, said: “I’m delighted that Anglesey council is committed to working towards Plastic Free Community Status. We need to preserve our stunning beaches, the marine, bird and wildlife and this support is critical to protecting our beautiful island from plastic pollution.”

She added, “I’m passionate about raising awareness about the growing plastic pollution crisis.”and how we can all play our part in reducing society’s plastic footprint.”