HOLYWELL'S school uniform recycling scheme is a huge success among residents.

Mayor Lynda Carter and former Support Officer Collette Lowry were discussing the need for some form of school clothing initiative.

It was these initial discussions that led to the formal proposal being considered by the council and the inception of the scheme.

The Leader: The recycling scheme has been running for over five years.The recycling scheme has been running for over five years. (Image: Jason Baker)

The council discussed it at one of its committees and members agreed to support the establishment of the scheme, which included any equipment requirements.

Originally the scheme ran from the Holywell Council Offices and the weekly Holywell street market. More recently earlier this year the council completed an asset transfer of a former toilet block which had not been utilised for many years, and converted the building to an events hub.

One side of the building is now dedicated to the eco-uniform scheme as its permanent base. It is open every Monday between 12pm and 2pm. Pop up market stalls are also run between school term times.

Cllr Carter, who is also a mother-of-two, sought to make a change for struggling families in the area. 

She said: "Each time the council reaches £100 in optional donations, which are based on what residents can comfortably afford, the council makes a donation to each of the local schools on a rotational basis.

"This initiative is different from others as it fits the Eco agenda - 20% of the carbon footprint is produced by clothing and the transport of clothing.

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"Given the increase in energy costs and the cost of living crisis it's beneficial to wash uniforms on a weekly basis, so therefore spare uniform clothing is a necessity."

The scheme is available to all residents of the Holywell and Greenfield communities and has been a huge success with local residents.

Beryl Roberts on Facebook said "It's a brilliant idea" while Daniel Hopkinson said "Very impressive. Keep it up."

The continued and growing support in the community for this scheme is wonderful to see and has led to it being used as an educational tool to promote sustainable clothing.