Leisure centres across County Durham are to stop the use of blue overshoes in a bid to reduce plastic waste.
From the beginning of November, Durham County Council swimming pools will be removing blue overshoes used in changing areas.
This will eliminate 2.4 tonnes of plastic from leisure centres each year.
Nigel Dodds, strategic manager for sport and leisure, said: “This is part of our commitment to reduce plastic waste across the county. Pool users are being urged to keep changing facilities clean by going barefoot or bringing along clean indoor footwear.”
All 12 leisure centres are taking part in the campaign which will see the plastic overshoes eliminated by the end of November.
Find out more about reducing plastic waste at http://www.durham.gov.uk/recycling.