Businesses across Axminster which are looking to reduce the use of plastic bags are starting to receive Boomerang Bags from Plastic Free Axminster. 

The initiative, which involves waste material being repurposed to create shopping bags, is being rolled out by the eco-friendly group to help cut back on the use of single-use plastics. 

The idea is for the businesses that have enrolled in the scheme to hand the bags out to customers who need them for that day's purchases. 

The hope is that the customer will either continue to use the bag for future shopping trips or return it to one of the partaking business, which is why they are called Boomerang Bags. 

Similar schemes have been launched across the globe, starting in Australia, with local success stories including neighbouring Lyme Regis.

The scheme was officially launched at the Plastic Free Axminster Christmas Eco-fair on Saturday, November 26. 

Lin Coley, from Plastic Free Axminster, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the response to our appeal for support earlier in the autumn, with more than 70 bags already made. 

"Businesses and charity shops have donated fabric that could not be sold and volunteers have been using it to create the bags. 

"The project has also had the beneficial side-effect of new friendship groups being formed as people have gathered on a regular basis to sew the bags while having a chat."

Businesses across the town centre have already adopted the bags and more will get the chance to join in as more bags become available. 

Mrs Coley went on to say: "We would love to see shoppers in Axminster making full use of the bags and then returning them so others can take advantage. 

"We are hoping to reduce the dependency on using plastic bags with shoppers having easy access to good quality alternatives. "

The group is planning to make more bags and for use and have said that any businesses that would like to join in with the scheme would be welcome. 

To contact Plastic Free Axminster, email the group on [email protected]