A poll in Cheltenham has shown that most people are in favour of using paper bags when shopping.

A poll of more than 2,000 people in the spa town of Cheltenham has shown that the majority are in favour of using paper bags rather than their plastic counterparts.

Carried out by Thisisgloucestershire.co.uk, the poll shows that, while the issue is a divisive one, a majority of 53 per cent are behind the idea to charge people a levy when they use plastic bags.

It comes after Cheltenham Borough Council announced that it was keen to bring in a charge in order to reduce the number of plastic bags used by shoppers in the town, although it did say it didn't have sufficient power to introduce such regulations.

Both the council and campaigners behind the plans say it would help to bring down the number of bags used in the town and lighten the load on the local environment.

Indeed, in nearby Wales, plastic carrier bag usage has dropped dramatically since it brought in a charge for each bag used back in 2011.

However, while the town has the chance to follow in these footsteps and promote reusable paper bags, it still remains a close call as to what Cheltenham's populous makes of the plans.

Richard Jones, from Hester's Way, told the Gloucestershire Echo that it was the only option available to reduce plastic bag usage.

Mr Jones, 23, said: "Charging people for bags is the only way to make them think twice about using a new one every time they go shopping."

However, to highlight just how divided the town remains, 83-year-old Maureen Molloy said she felt it would just cost people money rather than make them think about their environmental footprint.

"I'm not sure charging will make people think to take a bag with them when they shop," she said, "they will forget and just have to pay for the bag."

"I think a charge is mean. Some people have not got a lot of money and the cost will add up over the year."

Here at Shopping Bags Direct we offer a wide range of paper bags which can be tailored to meet your specific requirements. Please contact us today to find out how we can help.