I HAVE just been reading a report of how Modbury, in Devon, has become Europe's first plastic bag-free town and I wondered whether Malvern could follow its example.

We already have an excellent reputation for recycling, thanks to the household refuse collection being split between the now-familiar three bags. Also there's the recycling tip which is well frequented. I've been conducting a personal crusade against plastic bags for about a year now.

When I'm expecting to buy groceries, clothes or any other hand-held shopping, I take fold-up bags. These, regrettably, are made of man-made fibre, but last forever, as far as I can judge. Or I fold up and carry in my coat pocket or handbag cotton bags, acquired over several years from various ethical traders.

Sometimes I'm almost caught napping when I unexpectedly buy things at museums or galleries. However, I have an excellent, unfortunately nylon, bag which lives in my handbag and folds to the size of a purse, that I bought in Malvern Priory (for £1.25) three or four years ago. Why have they stopped selling them?

When buying plants I ask for used boxes to carry them in but I bemoan the stacks of reusable plant pots I've acquired. Surely plant nurseries and garden centres are the worst offenders for using and wasting plastic pots and trays. Our local fish and chip shop used to put the take-aways in plastic bags but now uses paper. The food tastes better because it's less soggy, but why continue to use plastic trays.

I note that Boots has appealed to customers not to use their plastic bags but many such traders, as well as stationers, bookshops and newsagents continue to supply them. Why not carry a newspaper in your hand, or under your arm? A lot of products are already over-packed with cellophane and the like. Is it somehow indecent to be carrying a naked birthday card or a packet of envelopes, without their being hidden in a bag?

My heart sinks in Waitrose when the assistants helpfully start to open half a dozen plastic bags while a customer is unloading a full trolley. If people know they're going to get so many items why don't they bring bags or boxes to put them in?

Over a score of countries, including Italy, Ireland and France, are strongly discouraging the provision of plastic bags. There, in most supermarkets, one is just not offered them. Can Malvern be the next British plastic bag-free town?

MRS PAT PALMER, Albert Park Road, Malvern.