FOUR Chard firms have been declared ‘community champions’ by a campaign to make the town more environmentally friendly.

Plastic Free Chard is part of the effort to make Chard carbon neutral by 2028.

Businesses that remove three items of single use plastic are being recognised as ‘community champions’, and receive a certificate and wooden plaque to display on their premises.

Eleos Café, The Kind Weigh, Chard Eco Deli and The Village Bakery are the first.

Mayor Jason Baker said: “Well done to the Chard businesses that have already achieved this accolade and to others who have started the journey of becoming ‘plastic free’.

“I am also very pleased that our own Guild Hall is about to be recognised as a Plastic Free Champion and would like to thank the staff and everyone involved in making this happen.

“The positive impact this is having on our community is fantastic and is a tremendous start to Chard becoming carbon neutral by 2028.”

Chard residents can also be part of the plastic free journey by reducing the amount of single-use of plastic at home, by recycling as much as possible and by taking part in planned activities such as the Chard Litter Pick, which is taking place on July 20.

Cllr Serena Wootton added: “The Chard Litter Pick is a fabulous community initiative and a great example of people doing what little they can to help our town and the environment.

“It might seem like a drop in the ocean, but with enough people, the Chard Litter Pick can really make a difference and help residents to feel proud of the community we live in.”

The litter pick will start at 10amfrom the four ‘Welcome to Chard’ signs, finishing at approximately midday at Chard Library.