Shopkeepers were yesterday targeted by campaigners whose aim is to make Diss the first plastic bag free town in south Norfolk. They were joined by district council chairman Joe Mooney, who is leading the authority's initiative to help safeguard the environment by reducing the amount of plastic bags and switching to more eco-friendly alternatives.

Shopkeepers were yesterday targeted by campaigners whose aim is to make Diss the first plastic bag free town in south Norfolk.

They were joined by district council chairman Joe Mooney, who is leading the authority's initiative to help safeguard the environment by reducing the amount of plastic bags and switching to more eco-friendly alternatives.

The town is a member of the international Cittaslow movement, which celebrates the slower pace of life and unique qualities of rural communities. And local co-ordinator, Cynthia Schears, said making Diss a plastic free zone fits in with the ethos of Cittaslow which has a “very strong green theme”.

“The Diss Community Partnership have been campaigning through Cittaslow since last spring and we are very pleased that it has been taken up by South Norfolk Council,” she said.

Cittaslow committee chairman, Tony Palmer, added: “Aylsham has basically declared itself plastic bag free so we are right behind them as the other Cittaslow town in Norfolk. We have got a range of shopping baskets made locally for people wanting nice alternatives, and the Diss farmers market has bags made from recycled plastic.”

Mr Mooney spent about two hours visiting businesses in the town and handing out brochures promoting the Diss scheme.

He said there has been tremendous support for the district-wide campaign and was pleased Diss backed the initiative.

“Generally the residents are way ahead in this and I would like to see all the retailers being brave, making the change and saying no to plastic bags,” he stressed.