THERE is still time to take part in a consultation on plans by the Scottish Government to ban plastic-stemmed cotton buds.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said outlawing the manufacture and sale of the items would help to cut plastic pollution.

She added: “Plastic-stemmed cotton buds are entering our waters and littering our beaches needlessly.

“Our intention is to introduce legislation to ban these products and the first stage of this process is to consult on the proposals.”

The proposed ban is part of wider measures to clamp down on plastic pollution, including introducing a bottle deposit return scheme.

The consultation closes on June 22, after which legislation will be introduced to the Scottish Parliament.

To take part, visit the website at www.gov.scot/Publications/2018/04/2377.