MORRISONS has hiked the cost of its plastic bags – for the third time this year.

After raising the cost from 10p to 15p in January, and then to 20p in April, the supermarket is now trialling a 30p price point.

Currently, the plastic fee currently only applies to a few stores in Wales.

And while environmentalists have praised the move, it hasn’t gone down well with customers.

Angry shoppers have taken to Twitter to complain about the price hike.

One customer remarked: “I’ve just spent 30p on a carrier bag in Morrisons and I am shocked and upset.”

Another said: “30p for a carrier bag @Morrisons really???

“What’s next, a rental charge for a shopping trolley.”

A third added: “30p for a carrier bag at Morrisons.

“Wish they had the same passion about not packaging their product in plastic as well.”

Even though consumers are critical of the increased fee, environmentalists have welcomed the move.

A spokesperson said: "We want to encourage our customers to reuse these bags and the money raised is being reinvested in plastic reduction programmes."

Shops are required by law to charge customers 5p for “single use” plastic bags.

This cash goes to charities – but supermarkets that sell the bags for more money can choose what they do with the excess.

The gov.uk website says the sales of single-use bags have dropped by 90% since the introduction of the 5p charge.

Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers is pleased with these results.

She said: “Our comprehensive action to slash plastic waste and leave our environment in a better state continues to deliver results, with our 5p charge reducing plastic bag sales by 90% in the big supermarkets.

“No one wants to see the devastating impact plastic waste is having on our precious wildlife.

“Today’s figures are a powerful demonstration that we are collectively calling time on being a throwaway society.”