A WATER fountain, re-usable bottles and more recycling bins are just some ideas which may be brought in to tackle the growing problem of plastic waste.
Members of Barnard Castle Town Council’s partnership committee backed an initiative by the town’s Rotary Club and there will be further discussions.
Colin Dunninghan, vice president of Barnard Castle Rotary Club, said: “Each year the incoming president chooses an initiative and this year we are looking at plastic. We are not trying to change the world but bring some good to the town.
“It should be something achievable and quantifiable such as provisions of bins for plastic bottles on Scar Top and educational talks on ways to reduce the use of plastic.”
Among the ideas discussed were a new water fountain, a re-usable bottle scheme and recycling bins next to the existing waste bins in town.
Committee chairwoman Cllr Judi Sutherland said: “I have heard that Durham County Council has quite a good record and I believe nothing goes to landfill.
“If we were to put in a water point, it could be down at the toilets in Market Place, if the water is potable.”
Up until 26 years ago Barnard Castle did have a drinking fountain, situated in lower Galgate. An elaborate Gothic stone fountain, fed by an underground spring, was paid for by public subscription and erected in 1874.
However. it was moved by the now defunct Teesdale District Council in 1992 when changes to parking in Galgate were carried out. The stone edifice still remains, in a slightly different position, though it no longer dispenses water.
Mayor Cllr Sandra Moorhouse was in full support of the idea. She said: “We need to throw a pebble in the water.
“We could maybe look at 100 per cent recyclable plastic bottles with the town crest.
So many walkers and ramblers who come to the town just tend to throw their bottles. We need to check with Durham County Council to see what it does with the plastic, if it does anything. We need to have their involvement.
“We should look at their position regarding recycling.”
Cllr Ian Kirkbride said: “I watched the recycling truck empty the bottle banks on the car park. They want us to separate green, brown and white into separate bins, but when they emptied them, they all went in together.”
Matthew Read, director of The Bowes Centre, said: “There is lots of talk nationally and internationally on how to reduce plastic waste, but nothing locally. We could really lead the way.”
A meeting, led by the Rotary Club, will be arranged by the council for all interested parties to look at more detailed plans on how to reduce plastic waste within the town.
