COUNCIL chiefs are to consider whether to expand a scheme which gives shoppers a chance to do their bit for the environment.

Richmondshire District Council is looking into the possibility of offering a "bike hod" scheme, providing trailers to carry shopping which can be towed home by bicycle, to all residents.

The scheme was launched in the area earlier this year by Tesco's new £15m superstore at Catterick Garrison, with the council closely involved in setting it up.

Cyclists pay a small registration fee to join and have a tow hook fitted to their bikes.

When they reach the shop checkout, their shopping is loaded into the hod - a steel frame holding a plastic container - which is fitted to the back of the bike. Shoppers get three days to return the hod.

Now, the council's Local Agenda 21 environmental group, which has more than £5,000 uncommitted in this year's budget, is to look at ways of providing cycle hods at a knock-down price to all residents of the district.

Planning and development unit manager, Patrick Earle, said: "The cycle hods represent a means whereby the family weekly supermarket shop can be transported home reasonably comfortably and efficiently.

"To that extent, the hods are the only realistic alternative to the private car. Walking or public transport are not as comfortable or convenient for the bulk of goods bought for a family every week.

"While the first initiative was from Tesco, there may well be people elsewhere in Richmondshire who would use this form of transport to shop at their local foodstore."

One possible initiative could see the council buying the hods and selling them on to residents, although Mr Earle said that would be "a speculative venture with no certain outcome".

But he added: "Any initiative which is aimed at reducing car mileage and increasing the use of bicycles would support the council's broad objectives under Local Agenda 21, particularly in the effective protection of the environment and the prudent use of natural resources.