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D-DAY is on May 31 in Lyme Regis, when the town can hopefully declare itself plastic bag free.

Environmental group Turn Lyme Green is in the process of eliminating plastic bags from the resort, with 30 shops no longer issuing them at all.

Reporting their progress to the town council's community plan implementation sub-committee last week, group member Candida Blaker said they are still in talks with traders, and all but a few have pledged to get rid of their remaining bags and go completely plastic free.

Ms Blaker said: "We hope that by May 31 we can really say we are plastic bag free as far as we can be."

She said the day would also see local celebrities pushing the message, shops displaying a 'green theme' in their windows, and interaction from other community groups.

Ms Blaker said the key to the campaign's success is to get the message across to tourists, and they already have a simple flyer going to much of the town's holiday accommodation, as well as on display in the park and ride buses.

Mark Jenkin, also a group member, said: "Tourism is the life blood of the town and if the place stays tidy people are more likely to come back - it is a big self-reinforcing circle."

Coun David Cozens suggested the best way to get the message across was via an advertisement in the cinema. "That cinema is used so much that it would be a very worthwhile project," he said.

Mr Jenkin said they have discussed with St Michael's Primary School plans for the pupils to author and create a 60-second animation, possibly to be shown in the cinema foyer.

Plans also include a monthly farmers' and community market - perhaps shared with Uplyme - to promote local shopping, partnerships with other community groups, including the Carnival and ArtsFest, and a push on composting.

The group is also asking West Dorset District Council for more recycling bins on the seafront and helping neighbouring communities with their own campaigns, including Charmouth and Ilminster.

9:56am Friday 9th May 2008

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