Chelmsford retains Fairtrade status

11.32.51am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 15th May 2008

Help Fairtrade when you go shopping

Chelmsford has retained its status as a Fairtrade town. Local Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Stephen Robinson, a Fairtrade campaign supporter, said: "I welcome this news. The Fairtrade campaign is one way we can all help re-balance the massive wealth gap between rich and poor nations - just by thinking a bit more carefully when we go shopping."

Malcolm Wallace, a leading light in the Chelmsford Fairtrade Town Campaign, commented: "I have just received confirmation that Chelmsford has retained its Fairtrade Town status. Here is the final comment on our application. I should add that the reason it has been somewhat delayed is because there have been so many applications priority was given to those who were seeking Fairtrade status for the first time. Many thanks to you all."

"We are delighted to affirm that Chelmsford Fairtrade Town status has been maintained. It is exciting to see such a vibrant and active campaign is being taken forward by the steering group. You have made tremendous progress in each goal - increasing the number of Fairtrade products available, promoting Fairtrade to the community and media engagement and of particular note is your active role in the county campaign.

"The activities you have organised and your engagement with your community is really making a difference for producers and their families around the world and this means that Fairtrade is now

benefiting more than 7 million farmers, workers and their families. So congratulations on all your success in the past year and we look forward to seeing how the campaign develops even more."

Related Links:

More information on the Chelmsford Fairtrade Town Campaign.

Previous Lib Dem news story (plus other links) on Fairtrade.