TOWN centre bosses have been adding their support to the County Gazette's jute bags campaign.

We're calling on readers to reduce the amount of plastic carrier bags they use.

Everyone who pledges is entered into a draw to win a limited edition jute bag.

Incoming Taunton Town Centre manager Paul Haynes said: "This campaign certainly gets my endorsement.

"The retail sector is becoming more and more aware that it needs to do something about packaging.

"It's an issue that is very much on people's minds and I would encourage everyone to make the pledge and get behind the campaign."

Dennis King, Chairman of Wellington Chamber of Trade and owner of King's Cycles, said: "We're starting to see a change in shopping habits - people are using fewer bags.

"It's got a double benefit as it saves on costs for traders and is good for the environment.

"The chamber is behind this initiative and have also run a plastic bags project with Somerset County Council."

Graham Sizer, Minehead Chamber of Trade Chairman, said: "The chamber of trade backs any project that helps reduce waste and helps cut our carbon footprint.

"A lot of the businesses in the town are already offering their own reusable bags.

"It would be wonderful if we could be completely plastic bag free, like the other towns in the South-West."

Dixon Luxton, Chairman of Wiveliscombe Parish Council, said: "There are a lot of spare plastic bags literally floating round the countryside.

"I can't understand why people dump them as they do. There is certainly a need to do something about all this plastic."

Click here to make the pledge