The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Dad warns plastic straw ban would take away ‘lifeline’ for son
Disabled boy needs bendy straw to drink
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 difficult.
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 move to ban plastic straws and cut back on the use of plastics has been inspired by Sir David Attenborough’s BBC TV series Blue Planet II.
A ban across Scotland could be in place as early as next year.
Arbroath East and Lunan Independent councillor 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 on 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.
“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.”
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 straws, especially older people in council care homes or those who are disabled or suffer from a health condition.
An Angus Council spokesperson 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.”