Efforts are being made to Turn Lyme Green in a bid to protect the coastline and tackle plastic pollution.

Jo Smith Oliver, chairman of environmental group Turn Lyme Green, attended a meeting of Lyme Regis Town Council where she asked councillors to support Lyme Regis in becoming one of 180 plastic free coastal towns by supporting local efforts.

Set up by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), a national marine conservation and campaigning charity based in Cornwall which empowers communities to take action to protect oceans, beaches and wildlife, the Plastic Free Coastlines initiative has received nationwide attention.

Two towns in the UK have already become ‘plastic free’ towns after following a template created by SAS, and a further 180 other coastal towns are currently working to fulfil the objectives of the scheme inspired by the recent surge in awareness of plastic pollution.

Town councillors appeared to be supportive of the scheme and asked that it be discussed further at the next full council meeting.

Pleased with the council’s reaction, Ms Oliver Smith said: “We believe the town council’s endorsement of the initiative is crucial. Already residents have shown support and more than 50 came to the last beach clean. About 16 local businesses have signed up to the water bottle ReFill Scheme and many are exploring finding substitutes for plastic cups, plates, packaging and straws. There is so much we can do. Becoming a plastic free town gets residents, businesses, schools and visitors all involved in tackling this plastic scourge of our seas.”

If you're passionate about the environment and would like to get involved in the project, Turn Lyme Green would like to hear from you.

Ms Oliver Smith said: “We are working with a number of other organisations, including Litter Free Coast and Sea, Sustainable Dorset and Litter Free Dorset, but we will need am enthusiastic local action group to help get the scheme off the ground. We believe that the efforts to tackle plastic pollution will be well worthwhile, boosting pride in our community and having a positive effect on tourism and all of our visitors.”

For more information, contact Ms Oliver Smith on info@josmitholiver.com or visit www.turnlymegreen.co.uk.