by Jess Sharp, reporter 

A council has backed a motion to phase out the use of plastic.

Dartford council have decided to cut out single use plastics from their buildings, facilities and events as part of a new initiative.

The idea was put forward by Labour leader councillor Jonathan Hawkes in the hope of getting the scheme up and running within a year.

The council voted unanimously to implement the policy at the Civic Centre, facilities that they run and all of their events by 2020.

It also committed to advocate for a plastic free Dartford by encouraging the use of environmentally friendly alternatives across the borough.

Cllr Hawkes said: “ This is great news. Single use plastics like plastic bottles, straws, bags, food packaging are very harmful to our environment.

“I, like many residents, have taken part in community litter pick events and we’ve been appalled at the sheer volume of plastic that now litters our roads, rivers and community spaces.

“ It is unbelievable and sadly it Is a regular site that is just unnecessary and I think the council should set an example.”

The original motion put forward planned to have the council cutting out plastics within a year and the borough plastic free by 2020.

He added: “ I personally would have aimed to be more ambitious with the time frame but I accept that the council feel that they need more time and I am happy to work with them on that.

“The important thing is that we get it done.

“Taking a lead on action to end the use of them is a small but I hope significant step to reducing plastic pollution in our town.”

The town is the second council in Kent to implement a motion to cut down on single use plastics following on from Medway Council.

Local group Dartford Littlepickers welcomed in the idea.

Co-founder Sarah Crook said: “ We are really pleased to hear that the motion has resulted in such an agreement.

“So much of the rubbish we collect is single use and we hope this will have a real impact.”

For more information on how to get involved visit www.litteraction.org.uk/dartford-litterpickers