EVERY shop across Cheshire and the North West saw the cost of single-use carrier bags double in price to 10p on Friday.

Since the 5p charge for the single use bag came in back in 2015, there has been a 95 per cent cut in plastic bag sales in major supermarkets and the with the new charge being extended to all businesses it is hoped it will help drive down sales further.

As a result of the carrier bag charge, the average person in England now buys just four single-use carrier bags a year from the main supermarkets, compared with 140 in 2014.

By extending the charge to all retailers, it is expected that the use of single-use carrier bags will decrease by 70-80 per cent in small and medium-sized businesses.

Small businesses have been urged to prepare themselves for the changes ahead of them coming into force and it comes as research finds the charge is supported overwhelmingly by the public – with 95 per cent of people in England acknowledging the wide-ranging benefits to the environment so far.

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: "The introduction of the 5p charge has been a phenomenal success, driving down sales of harmful plastic bags in supermarkets by a remarkable 95 per cent.

"We know we must go further to protect our natural environment and oceans, which is why we are now extending this charge to all businesses.

"I urge retailers of all sizes to make sure they are ready for the changes, as we work together to build back greener and strengthen our world-leading action to combat the scourge of plastic waste.”

Winsford mayor Cllr Nathan Pardoe said: “Charges for plastic bags have encouraged all of us to reuse bags and cut down on plastic waste, with the 5p charge reducing supermarket bag sales by 95 per cent.

“We've got used to making sure we have bags with us before we go shopping, and the increase of the charge to 10p and extension of the scheme to all businesses will further reduce harmful plastic usage and help the environment.”

Barnyard Pet & Equestrian in Northwich posted on social media about its support of the scheme.

They said: "We are of course happy for you to use your own reuseable bags and encourage it where possible.

"Let's all do our bit to reduce plastic use for the sake of our environment.

"We are investigating other options too."

"We have never used plastic bags and our customers enjoy using the sturdy paper bags we offer," says Kirsty Wernham of Weigh of the World.

"However, these still have a high carbon footprint if they are not reused or recycled, so the very best option is for shoppers to bring their own bags and reuse containers."

Transition Northwich co-ordinator Alison Allum said: "The smoking ban back in 2007 demonstrated how quickly people can change social habits for the benefit of everyone.

"If we are to make the level of change required to keep plastic out of our environment, we will all need to make changes.

"People will quickly adapt and remember to take their own bags if a full ban on bags was instated.

"However, we always have to see the bigger picture.

"Longlife bags still create pollution, require more energy to make and take longer to break down in the environment.

"Re-using existing containers, upcycling existing fabrics into bags and choosing natural materials are the best choices we can make."

Since the introduction of the charge, retailers have donated over £150 million to good causes in charity, volunteering, environment and health sectors.

Jack’s supermarket in Middlewich has donated thousands of pounds to community groups and organisations from the sale of carrier bags.

This week four charities shared £1,000. St Mary’s Catholic Primary School PTA, Middlewich Community Pride, Cardiac Risk in the Young/The Aaron James Dixon Memorial Fund and Elworth Hall School Association each received £250 after successfully applying to the latest round of Jack’s Supports.

Darren Preston, store manager of Jack’s Middlewich, said: "The Jack’s Supports scheme has been running for a while now and it’s wonderful to see how many local organisations and groups have benefited from the donation."

The move will help the UK build back better and greener from the pandemic, and boost our global leadership in tackling climate change and plastic pollution.

In its war against plastic pollution, the Government has already banned microbeads in rinse-off personal care products and prohibited the supply of plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds in England.

A world-leading plastic packaging tax will be introduced from April 2022 for products which do not have at least 30 per cent recycled content, while the Government is currently consulting on landmark reforms which will introduce a deposit return scheme for drinks containers and Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging.