A TOUCHING letter gave a schoolboy eco warrior a VIP public platform for an heartfelt appeal to combat plastic waste.

Ten-year old Louis Weedon, a pupil at Delph Primary School, was invited to address a full meeting of Saddleworth Parish council after outlining his concerns in a letter to council clerk Pam Bailey.

He wrote: “I am very worried about the animals and creatures in the sea. I think we should reduce plastic because animals are dying from plastic pollution and general plastic.

“Things like ketchup sachets, plastic straws and crisp packets. Plastic is killing wildlife. It is destroying the food chain. I would like to see a change in plastic pollution.”

Louis, who attended the meeting with his parents, was applauded by councillors who explained how they are tackling the issue including a ban on plastic straws from the Civic Hall along with other innovative ways to promote alternatives to plastic.

Cllr Paul Frye’s, chair of the council’s environment committee, said: “'Very few people write a letter to the Parish Council and get their own agenda item at a meeting.

“That is what Louis achieved. His letter about the growing dangers of plastic pollution reminded everyone there of the importance of this subject.

“Dealing with this issue is important, not just for those of us who are around now, but even more so for children like Louis who will have to deal with the world that they inherit.”

Pam Bailey and Robert Knotts, The council chair, had invited Lewis to the meeting.

Cllr Knotts said: “It is refreshing to have a younger member of the community address the Parish Council on such an important environmental issue that not only impacts on Saddleworth but on communities throughout the world.”

There was a discussion about problems of recycling plastic and it was decided to approach Oldham Council as their recycling policy is limited and the parish council should try to persuade them to widen their remit when the contract is next up for tender.

And after the meeting Louis added: “We only have one world and we have to protect it.”

And Sue Ward his form teacher at the 200-strong pupil school, said the children were studying wider environment issues are contacting local authorities as part of the project. “Louis is very focussed on the issues,“ she added.