Fairtrade fight goes on

Campaigners who want Stourbridge and Halesowen to be turned into Fairtrade towns say they will not give up their fight, despite setbacks.

Councillors were supposed to discuss the proposals at a council meeting earlier this week.

But the plans were put off because there was not enough time to deal with it.

Supporters say they feel the debate is being avoided by the council, but they will not let the issue go. They want the towns to achieve Fairtrade status with the majority of shops selling Fairtrade goods, aimed at supporting trade in Third World countries.

Councillor Pete Lowe is among those behind the plans.

He said: "We have to get a full and frank debate about Fairtrade and put this forward for all party support, which we have not yet had the chance to do for whatever reasons."

Virginia Williams, chairman of the Stourbridge Fairtrade town status steering group, said: "We were disappointed that the resolution was not debated at the last council meeting.

"We are, however, pleased that the resolution will be on the agenda for the next council meeting and we all hope that Dudley Council will soon vote in favour of promoting Fairtrade that directly benefits Third World producers."

She added: "In the meantime local supporters of Fairtrade hope that more and more shops, cafes, restaurants, offices, churches and schools will use and sell some Fairtrade items to their customers and staff."

Fairtrade was set up after development agencies recognised the important role that consumers could play to improve the situation for producers in Third World countries.

The organisation tries to ensure local producers around the world reap the benefit of the sale of goods across the world.