FAREHAM Borough Council has launched a campaign to reduce use of single use plastic in the Borough.

The starting point of the campaign is the Council’s own use of plastic, with the creation of a new policy on single use plastic (SUP).

The policy includes a commitment by the Council to: stop using plastic straws and stirrers in council buildings by the end of 2018; stop using SUP cups in the drinks machines in the Civic Offices, Broadcut Depot and Ferneham Hall by 2020; stop the sale of drinks from SUP bottles in the Civic Offices and Broadcut Depot by 2020; phase out the sale of drinks from SUP bottles at Fareham and Holly Hill Leisure Centres, Westbury Manor Museum and Ferneham Hall by 2020.

Executive member for Streetscene at Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Simon Martin, said: “We’re hearing more and more about the impact plastic is having on the environment, especially the oceans.

"By having this policy in place, the Council is making a formal commitment to change.

"We will work with local business to encourage them to phase-out SUP products and through our awareness campaign we hope to change habits among residents.”

A member of the council’s Streetscene team will be working with schools, businesses and other groups, providing tips on how they can reduce their own use of plastic.

Residents will also notice new posters around the Borough and there’ll be plastic updates and giveaways on the council’s social media.