OTTERY shoppers have spoken and want the town to become plastic bag free zone, according to a new survey.

OTTERY shoppers have spoken and want the town to become plastic bag free zone, according to a new survey.Almost 200 people were questioned by Sustainable Ottery in two mornings in February, after the group was inspired by the example of Modbury in South Devon.A huge 95 per cent of respondents said they wanted Ottery to be plastic bag free. A total of 75 per cent thought being charged a few pence for each bag would remind people to bring their own.Sustainable Ottery member Jill Dixon said: "Most shoppers are already switched on to the green message, with 77 per cent bringing their own bags when they go shopping."Ninety-six per cent are aware of the problems caused to the environment by plastic bags."She said the group's findings have been circulated to businesses and shops in Ottery St Mary as well as to the Chamber of Commerce and the town council."We trust the traders' response will be as enthusiastic as that of their customers," added Jill Dixon.Rosalind Browne, owner of Roberts DIY, said: "It would be a good idea and I think it is inevitable, but it is just a case of taking the first step.She added no business really wanted to be the first to charge and it really needed everyone to decide at the same time.A spokesman for the Co-op supermarket said they already tried to reduce the amount of plastic bags used by customers.He said: "We are trialing the UK's first fully-accredited home compostable carrier bag at a number of our stores."He said they also offered Fairtrade cotton bags and a plastic Bag for Life which they replaced free when it wore out. It was then recycled.Mayor of Ottery, Glyn Dobson, said: "This issue has been in the news a lot recently and we would support any moves to reduce their use."It is up to the individual shopkeepers to decide how they could help, however if there is anything we can do to encourage people to use the bags less, we will.