THE Forest of Dean could go the way of Wales and Ireland by charging for plastic bags, if the success of a local pilot project is adopted across the district.

Last month Coleford Town Council, with the support of local traders and retailers, instigated a plastic bag awareness day to reduce its usage in the area.

The initiative proved very positive and at the council's meeting on Saturday, Councillor Roger Drury said: "This was our second time we have held an awareness day like this and the overwhelming response from the public and traders was positive and welcomed the idea.

"In effect we've been given the mandate to develop this and take it a step further.

"I think we need to hold a formal town-wide referendum to see if Coleford people agree with us to find a solution to reduce the amount of plastic bags in use.

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