Tenby now has its own branded shopping bags. The town's Chamber of Trade and Tourism is responding to public demand to replace plastic bags with durable hessian bags, just as an environmental bandwagon rolls on this issue.
The new bags went on sale last week at a dozen outlets in and around the town.
Speaking on behalf of the Chamber of Trade and Tourism, their president, Howard Lewis, told the Observer: "This is a response to public demand that is being enthusiastically supported by our retail members. The principal motivation is of course an environmental one, to cut down on the wasteful production of plastic bags, to reduce the hazards for wildlife from discarded plastic bags, and to reduce landfill.
"However, we have also taken the opportunity to promote Tenby as a tourist destination, and indeed as a brand, with our slogan 'Tenby - A Town For All Seasons' and a picture of the iconic Tenby harbour on both sides, drawn by local artist Harry Gardiner."
The Tenby in Bloom committee sponsored the artwork.
Chairman of the Bloom committee, the town's Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, said: "Tenby in Bloom is not just about wonderful flower displays. We also have to demonstrate a responsible approach to the environment, and this chamber initiative is very much in line with our objectives. We are delighted to support it."
Chamber secretary Elaine Rowe added: "We are very pleased to have got these bags out in time for Christmas. We hope that they will be purchased by Tenby residents for everyday shopping trips, they will make a wonderful souvenir for visitors to the town, and they will be an affordable Christmas present for children to buy out of their pocket money. Why not use the bags to 'wrap' Christmas presents, rather than the usual wrapping paper that is thrown away!"
The retailers stocking the new bags are Morris Bros, Four Seasons, New Hedges Minimarket, Clarice's Toyshop, Equinox, Jago, Joys, Tenby Bookshop, T.P. Hughes, Walk on Water, County Clothes, The Caldey Island Shop and Rembrandts.