THE Fife Conservative Group have welcomed the news that Fife Council will begin to transition away from single-use plastic in all its buildings and facilities.

The move began with Cowdenbeath Councillor Darren Watt and Conservative colleague Councillor Kathleen Leslie when they put forward a motion before the full Council back in March of this year.

Cllr Watt said: “Although we were initially disappointed not to receive the backing from the SNP-Labour administration or the Lib-Dems, I’m pleased they have all finally stopped playing petty politics and acknowledged the progressive and positive approach put forward in our motion.

“The devastating impact to our wildlife and our environment could no longer be ignored. Plus with cost of recycling continuing to escalate, Fife Council needed to act sooner rather than later.”

Cllr Leslie, who represents Burntisland, Kinghorn and Kirkcaldy West said: “Whilst it will take until next February for a full report to come back to Committee it does seem now that a more common-sense approach will be taken whereby some phasing out of single-use plastics can begin without requiring Committee approval at every stage.”

She added: “In some respects, Fife Council has been quite slow to begin this process so it is pleasing to see the Administration has finally taken note of our motion and hopefully these extremely damaging materials will be eliminated from all Council facilities.”

The change of direction will mean that staff at all council offices, such as Brunton House, in Cowdenbeath, will be encouraged to stop using single use items like plastic spoons and knives.