Environment minister Theresa Coffey at the water fountain 

A NEW water fountain has opened in Charing Cross station as part of plans to tackle “single use plastics”.

The fountain was switched on by the Conservative environment minister Therese Coffey yesterday (Thursday). The idea is that rail passengers refill water bottles instead of buying new ones each day.

Ms Coffey said: “By refilling our water bottles to cut our plastic use we can each make a genuine difference and help to protect our oceans and precious marine life.

“One of our big challenges is on-the-go consumption, including in transport hubs like railway stations. I hope this will be the first of many fountains across the rail network and across the country.”

Network Rail’s chief executive Mark Carne added: “We hope that by making this small change, we not only help quench the thirst of our station users, but also have a positive impact on the environment by reducing single-use plastics.”

Dozens of similar water fountains are being installed across the capital.