A SHIPLEY Councillor has been named as Bradford's "Champion Against Single Use Plastics."

Bradford Council created the role earlier this year as part of its bid to go single use plastic free by 2024. And now Councillor Vick Jenkins (Lab, Shipley) has now been appointed to the unpaid role.

The Council recently completed a scrutiny review of single use plastics in the district, and suggestions includes phasing out plastic cups and cutlery from Council run events, and providing free drinking water fountains at events like Bradford City Runs.

The plastic bags that line Bradford’s bins could be replaced with biodegradable sacks, and the Council will work closer with supermarkets to introduce more plastic bottle recycling points.

Cllr Jenkins said: "I am very excited to be named the Champion Against Single Use plastics.

Review suggests Bradford Council should be 'plastic free' by 2024

"Plastic consumption is out of control and we really need to start reducing the amount we use especially items that are not recyclable. We can all do our bit to help by making few simple changes, such as using reusable water bottles, giving up straws and plastic cutlery.

"It is also important that we lobby the Government and retailers to offer more plastic free choices and cut down the waste in general. Just think every piece of plastic you have ever owned still exists and will for a long time to come.

"In my new role I will work with colleagues and officers at Bradford Council to achieve the targets to reduce the single use plastic consumption at the Council, the results of this report are already very visible in meetings and events.

"I plan to highlight the issue beyond the Council and work with groups who have set up to help people on their journey to reduce their plastic use.

"There are some really fantastic local groups and initiatives in the area, who we can listen to, learn from and support and there are some already lots of user friendly tools from larger organisations who have easy to access resources like the Refill scheme and Surfers Against Sewage.

"I hope many of my fellow Councillors across all parties will assist me in helping reduce the use of single-use plastic in their wards."