Council backs town's fairtrade bid

Council backs town's fairtrade bid

The town hopes to have Fairtrade status by 2004

Bradford-on-Avon took a step closer to becoming a recognised Fairtrade town after the local council backed the bid.

The backing on 25 February is the first of five steps the town's Fairtrade Coalition need to achieve the new status.

A range of fairtrade products must also be available in local shops, served in local catering establishments and used in local businesses and organisations.

The town is aiming to be awarded the status by the Fairtrade Foundation, a national organisation, by March 2004.

Fair price

Rowena Quantrill, of the coalition, told BBC News Online: "We want to raise awareness of Fairtrade and the issues behind it.

"We do not pay fair prices for some products and we must address this problem."

The idea behind Fairtrade is that shoppers have a direct impact on the lives of people in developing countries.

All goods bought with a Fairtrade mark ensure workers receive decent wages, a fair minimum price, a long-term trading commitment and no child or forced labour.

Fairtrade Fortnight 2003 began nationally on Monday.