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Dozens of businesses across Gloucester have signed up to an initiative which allows people to enjoy water when they’re out and about and fill up reusable water bottles for free.

Almost 40 local businesses, including cafes, coffee shops and restaurants, signed up to the Refill Scheme last week which is being rolled out in the city by water company Severn Trent and founding not for profit organisation, City to Sea.

The Refill Scheme aims to promote free tap water, helping keep people hydrated, as well as bringing environmental benefits by reducing the use of plastic bottles.

Severn Trent’s corporate responsibility lead, Jess Fidler, said: “Our action day in Gloucester was a tremendous success and businesses have really got onboard with Refill. To sign up just short of 40 businesses was fantastic and everyone showed a real interest in what role they can play in promoting the wonderful benefits of water and how they can help to reduce plastic pollution.

“Businesses which signed up are now proudly displaying their Refill window stickers and are also appearing on the Refill app where people can find any Refill Station locally or across the UK.”

Volunteers from Severn Trent and Gloucester City Council were also joined by Gloucester MP Richard Graham as they signed up businesses across the city.

Richard Graham MP, added: “Refilling individual water bottles for free in shops, cafes, pubs and clubs all helps cut costs for my constituents and visitors and reduces plastics and rubbish in our city centre. Now it’s for us all to use our own water bottles. Thank you to all partners for helping make this happen.”

The Refill app can be downloaded for free on Google Play or the App Store. Anyone wanting to get in touch, find out more about Refill, or those looking to sign up or become an ambassador, can email refill@severntrent.co.uk.