On July 1st, Tony Spink, Sub Post-Master of Heptonstall Post Office went plastic bag free - a full 2 months before the traders of Hebden Bridge take the plunge.

Tony provides paper bags for vegetables, but hopes that locals and visitors will come prepared with their own reusable shopping bags for multiple purchases.

Two local ladies, Jean Leach and Judith Parish heard of Tony's plans and decided to turn their spare material and wool into shopping bags which can be purchased for a donation. There are sewn, crocheted  and knitted bags available and all donations go towards their favourite charity Traidcraft.
Local anti-plastic carrier bag campaigners known as the 'Bag Ladies' (including 2 local women, Louise Marix-Evans and Mandi Paramor), have been giving out free home-made bags and encouraging people to 'have a go' at making their own. "It would be great if armies of  'Bag' women and men dusted off their sewing machines and knitting needles and made their own bags. Instead of blaming the traders, it is time we as consumers took some responsibility for the choices we make; we don't need plastic carrier bags, so lets give that message to the traders"

 See the bag ladies site link under local interest