A BARRY butcher has launched a crusade against plastic packaging – urging customers to embrace an alternative option.

Ceri Williams, of Marshalls Butchers, in Holton Road, has stepped back in retail time to encourage customers to request meat wrapped in greaseproof paper rather than plastic bags. The business, trading since 1889, has over years witnessed numerous changes in consumer demand.

Mr Williams said he hated using plastic and the business has pledged to be part of the #ditchthedisposables and #plasticfreebarry campaigns. He is supporting Barry Town Council’s (BTC) proposal to become a plastic-free town by reducing the use of the material and trying to avoid packaging waste.

Mr Williams said: “I don’t like plastic.

“I walk my dog on the beach. I’m always picking up plastic and last autumn I saw the David Attenborough programme.

“We are going back to using greaseproof paper. I spoke to the Butcher Sundry and they said I could use greaseproof paper.

“It costs me a lot more than plastic, but I think it’s worth it so it doesn’t end up in the ocean.

“I’ve noticed a lot more younger people come in because they’ve seen it on Facebook. They are asking, and saying, they don’t want plastic.

“I do think the supermarkets should not be allowed to sell meat anymore – go back to the butchers where our meat comes off the hook.”

Praising BTC’s stance, he added: “Anything to do with getting rid of plastic is great. We don’t need it.”

Customers Robert Hartrey and his wife Sandra, of Beverley Street, Cadoxton, have decided to buy their meat wrapped in greaseproof paper. Mr Hartrey, 67, said: “I think it’s very good.”

“People have seen what is going on on TV with pollution and seeing what’s polluting the sea. It’s like going back to the old days.”