PLASTIC Free Keighley has appointed a Community Leader to further its work.

Alison McLean was given the post as the campaign group held its inaugural meeting at Keighley College and discussed ways to reduce the use of single-use plastic in Keighley.

These included community litter picks, workshops and discussions at an Eco-Jumble event, and encouraging composting by helping local allotment owners accept food waste from people who do not have gardens.

Many of the ideas concerned Keighley College and its students, who will be encouraged to create their own sub-group and act as ambassadors for Plastic Free Keighley (PFK).

The college this month gave out aluminium water bottles to all its students aged 14 to 19 enrolling, and will stop selling single-use water bottles, instead providing water dispensers.

PFK could run workshops at the college to teach students and local residents how to make their own bags-for-life, make-up remover pads and sanitary protection.

Alison said: “It was great to meet college principal Steve Kelly and curriculum leader Caroline Ward and talk about the exciting plans by the college to reduce single-use plastic.”

At the meeting, Keighley East councillors Malcolm Slater and Caroline Firth reiterated Bradford Council’s support for local Plastic Free communities. They may join a PFK steering group.

Support was also received from Keighley West councillors Paul Godwin, Julie Lintern and Adrian Farley, and MP John Grogan sent an email supporting PFK.

During the meeting, members learned how Plastic Free Denholme has created an eco loan scheme for children’s parties.

Alison said: “It would be great if we could set up something similar and hopefully an adult party version.

“This is something that Keighley Big Local have started doing by having a tea and coffee cup amnesty, collecting cups to be used a local events to stop the use of single-use cups.”

Members also heard from PFK member Richard Dillon, a committed Plastic Free Champion from fairmondo.uk, a community collective that brings together local sellers under one umbrella.

Visit plasticfreekeighley@gmail.com for further details of the group.