A new group has been created in Sheffield after people voiced concerns over plastic pollution in the city.

Plastic Free Sheffield Central is a new campaign formed to work with communities to reduce single-use plastics within the Sheffield Central constituency.

The group is one of 800 plastic-free community groups across the country supported by Surfers Against Sewage.

Greg Hewitt, 33, said “We contact and advise businesses, community groups, community venues, community events and schools to join the campaign and reduce single-use plastics.”

Plastic pollution is a rising issue, with homes and businesses in the UK throwing away nearly five million tonnes each year. Plastic Free Sheffield Central aims to reduce this by minimising Sheffield’s  contribution to the single-use plastic crisis.

Mr Hewitt added “I’m personally concerned that single-use plastic packaging will make its way into Sheffield’s rivers and streams and therefore make its way to the ocean causing unnecessary harm marine animals.

“But also producing plastic waste contributes to climate change by burning fossil fuels. So that’s a huge concern for me.”

The group is volunteer led and says that everyone is welcome to get involved. The next meeting is planned for Monday 25 April at 7pm at Shakespeare’s on Gibraltar St.