A NEW group is being launched which aims to tackle environmental issues in Ryedale from single-use plastic to recycling.

Established by the Five Town Councils, made up of members from Pickering, Norton, Kirkbymoorside, Malton and Helmsley town councils, the group wants to recruit local people to join them to work on green issues in each town.

A launch meeting will take place today (Wednesday) at 7pm at Pickering Memorial Hall when people will get the chance to hear more about the sort of issues the group wants to tackle.

The new group will be formed of representatives from town councils who want to take part, local businesses and residents. One of its aims will be to tackle green issues such as reducing the use of single-use plastic and increasing recycling rates.

Joy Andrews, chairman of the committee and mayor of Pickering, said: “In recent years everyone has become much more aware of the environmental issues we all face and their has never been a more important time to do whatever we can to tackle these problems. We can all play a part, however small, in reducing our reliance on single-use plastic, recycling more and helping to protect our environment.”

One of the groups first plans is to introduce a reusable Ryedale shopping bag through local businesses who choose to support the scheme.

Kirkbymoorside has led the way on green initiatives in Ryedale for some time and already distributes a town guide highlighting local organisations and businesses who are environmentally-friendly and run regular “Bring and Take” recycling events.

Cllr Andrews added: “If you are concerned about environmental issues and want to share ideas and take action to make a difference in your local area then come along.”