GWENT shoppers had mixed reactions to the Assembly's announcement that retailers should charge for plastic bags.

An Assembly bid to encourage shoppers to reuse plastic bags rather than throwing them away could see shoppers paying up to 15 pence per bag by late next year.

Last year around 480 million bags were issued in Wales.

Under proposals for the new scheme shops will be allowed to give the proceeds from charging for bags to charity.

Friends of the Earth Cymru welcomed the move but retailers said a better approach was needed to reduce plastic bag use.

Large chains said they had already successfully reduced plastic bag use and smaller chains who use biodegradable bags feared they would be hit with a blanket charge on all plastic bags.

Packaging for meat and fish or primary bags used for medicines will be exempt from the charge due to hygiene reasons.

We asked shoppers in Newport city centre what they thought about the bag tax: Doug Piddington, 77, of Brynderwen Road, Newport, said: "I think they get more than enough money already.

We use reusable bags, but if you go out not expecting to buy anything you don’t take bags with you.”

Lowry Tomkins, 15, of Steep Hills, Oakwood, said: "I think it's kind of stupid to pay 15p for a plastic bag."

Malcolm Whaite, 82, of Lliswerry, said: "I don't think it's a bad idea. I have a reusable bag myself."

Terry Williams, 55, of Newport, said: "It's probably a good idea. I think it depends on whether its too expensive or not."

Justin Rossiter, 33, of Greenfield Road, Rogerstone, said: "I think it’s a good idea as it all goes down into landfill. It will make people think of taking a bag.”