A dad has warned that a plastic straw ban could impact upon the most vulnerable people.
Ryan Galloway’s 12-year-old son Eythan is disabled and his condition affects his ability to swallow at times.
He also finds lifting even the lightest bottle or cup to his mouth is almost impossible.
Mr Galloway, whose son attends Forfar Academy, made an impassioned plea for the brakes to be put on the campaign in Angus for a blanket ban in council premises which has received support from Angus Provost Ronnie Proctor and the SNP group.
The campaign to ban plastic straws and cut back on the use of plastics across the UK has been inspired by Sir David Attenborough’s BBC TV series Blue Planet II.
A ban across Scotland could also be in place as early as next year.
Arbroath East and Lunan Independent Lois Speed – Angus Council Equalities Champion and long-time disability campaigner – has also joined calls for a halt to be put on the campaign.
Mr Galloway said a plastic straw is a lifeline for his son and the campaign threatens to stigmatise the use of these items and add more pressure to parents and carers.
He said: “It is concerning to say the least that the blanket ban on straws is being considered within Angus.
“Eythan’s condition affects his ability to swallow at times and lifting even the lightest bottle or cup to his mouth is almost impossible.
“A simple bendy plastic drinking straw solves the problem effectively and we rely on them being readily available when out and about.
“Excessive plastic waste is a problem and needs to be tackled but perhaps the council should consider looking at how these single use straws could be collected and safely disposed of or recycled rather than a blanket ban across the county.
“For those within our communities, often the most vulnerable, who require to use straws, it’s reassuring to know that they are accessible in eating and drinking establishments.
“However the campaign threatens to stigmatise the use of these items.
“To consider adding straws to the plethora of equipment already required for a simple day out adds another pressure to parents and carers.”
The proposal would see plastic straws removed from council premises including care homes and leisure centres and replaced with biodegradable or easily recyclable materials.
Ms Speed said an outright ban would impact on many people who rely on the use of a straw especially older people in council care homes or those who are disabled or suffer from a health condition.
“I’m all for taking steps to tackle environmental issues, however I want the straw campaign to be put on hold within Angus until a suitable alternative has been found,” she said.
“People with disabilities or a health condition or those who are elderly often heavily rely on plastic drinking straws to be able to take in fluids – it’s crucial and they are a lifeline.”
A number of councils across Scotland are considering a similar ban and many large companies have also taken steps to end the use of plastic straws including the Weatherspoons pub chain which switched to paper straws.
Ms Speed said: “The fact that it has become socially acceptable for people of all ages to use a straw in eateries has helped ensure there are no differences and reduced the stigma.
“It could also push people further into social isolation if it becomes harder to go out.”
The One in Five campaign group has also warned that most paper and plant-based alternatives are not flexible or suitable for drinks over 40C, therefore increasing the risks of choking.
An Angus Council spokeswoman said: “We actively support the movement to reduce the prevalence of single use plastics.
“We will do so with care so as not to disadvantage individuals or groups and in a managed and controlled manner to ensure there are suitable alternatives where these are needed”.
