Tamworth Co-operative Society has given out £26,000 to local good causes, thanks to its ‘Cash in the Bag’ scheme which has raised funds from its five pence plastic carrier bag charge.
Sixteen organisations have been given grants of between £300 and £2,500, and the money will be used for a variety of projects and services helping a wide cross-section of the community. This includes victims of domestic abuse, people with mental health or physical problems and parents of young children needing support.
Schools and social clubs for all ages are also among the beneficiaries, along with a church offering support for young people.
Amington Heath Primary School, Pennymoor Pre-School Nursery, the Tamworth branch of Parkinson’s UK Support Group, the 3rd Wilnecote Scout Group, Tamworth District Scouts and Two Rivers Primary School have all received the largest amount.
It will provide much-needed extra funds for the schools and nursery. Two Rivers Primary will use its donation to erect a cabin housing a new outdoor classroom. Amington Primary will create a quad area where pupils can gather between classes and during lunchtime, while Pennymoor Nursery will spruce up its garden for youngsters to learn about plants and the environment.
Tamworth Co-op chief executive Julian Coles said: “We have tried to spread the money raised by the levy on bags in our food stores as widely as possible to benefit all sections of the community.
“Combined with our Community Dividend Fund which allows shoppers to donate their dividends to a raft of excellent causes, we have given out nearly £36,000 this year to charities, schools, churches and clubs.
“Since the days of William MacGregor more than 130 years ago Tamworth Co-op has been associated with giving back to its community and we’re once again exceptionally proud to be able to distribute such a significant amount to worthwhile causes in our midst.”
The 5p charge on disposable carrier bags was introduced in 2015 to reduce litter. Since then the number of plastic bags used has fallen by more than 80 per cent in England, amounting to over nine billion fewer bags being issued.
