War on plastic: Two more firms back ReFILL campaign and put our beaches before profit

Claire Smith, from Number One St Luke's and Number One South Beach, has signed up to the ReFILL scheme

The Honest Crust sandwich shop in Onslow Road, Layton, and the Number One St Luke’s hotel in Blackpool – as well as sister hotel Number One South Beach – have enrolled in the fight against plastic bottles washing up on our beaches.

They will put up stickers saying ‘free tap water ReFILLs available here’ to back LOVEmyBEACH’s scheme and The Gazette’s campaign to get 200 firms to sign up.

Julie Potter from Honest Crust said she sells bottled water to her health-conscious customers - but is willing to give up that cash to help the environment.

Julie Potter from the Honest Crust Sandwich Bar has signed up to the ReFILL campaign to give free water refills

She said: “I’m all for it. Every little bit we can do to help is a good thing. I’m a big believer in small acts of kindness.”

Julie, who will have been open for 10 years next month, also gives away free food and drink to the needy, and followed in the footsteps of the Compass Cafe in Birley Street, Blackpool town centre, which was the first to back our campaign.

Number One St Luke’s, which has three rooms, and Number One South Beach, which has 14, already only offer water in glass bottles or flasks, and owner Claire Smith said: “It has been worrying me for a years, wondering what we are doing with all this plastic.

“It’s a small action, and lots and lots of small actions make a big difference.

“Hopefully in a couple of years, no-one will remember what plastic bottles were.

“We have to protect our beaches and marine life.”