Halloween costume swap launched by council

Parents are being encouraged to exchange unwanted children's Halloween costumes in a swap shop rather than throw them away.

Knowsley Council has launched a costume swap during half-term in a bid to cut down on waste.

It said of the millions of people that dress up for Halloween across the country, about 90% of families buy new costumes. Around 40% of Halloween costumes are worn just once.

The council is now inviting parents to drop off their costumes in recycling bins outside libraries.

Clare Taylorson, the council's waste prevention manager, said: "Halloween is expensive now it is a bit more Americanised.

"It is not carving your pumpkin like it was before but now there are costumes and people are decorating their gardens.

"So it is a big expense.

"Parents don't want to let their children down. It is just a way of keeping those costs down.

"We want to encourage parents to not just put their old costumes in the bin.

"And we want to continue this in future years."

She added: "And it doesn't just have to be spooky costumes - we've had a Spider-Man.

"One of our staff's children went to a party as a zombie mermaid - so it can be any costume, however whacky.

Costumes can be picked up from libraries in Halewood, Stockbridge Village, Prescot and Huyton on various days during half-term.

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