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Malmesbury looks set to become the first town in North Wiltshire to be awarded Fairtrade status.

The Fairtrade Steering Group, set up by town councillors, has been campaigning tirelessly to raise awareness about the range of products on the market.

Now, with stores in the town already selling Fairtrade products it is likely that Malmesbury will be awarded status by the Fairtrade Foundation next month.

The town council has agreed to support the initiative.

Coun Simon Killane, who has spearheaded the campaign, and gave a presentation to chamber of commerce members on Tuesday, said: "What we are trying to do is to get the Fairtrade mark or logo accredited to our town.

"We want the town's shops and businesses to share, sell and promote Fairtrade.

"About 40 per cent of chocolate in the UK has passed through the hands of some child labourer.

"The fact is if there was a child in the street in Malmesbury with his ribs sticking out begging for food you would go to the police.

"It is a farce that in our economy we have a choice to buy products that are produced ethically, or by slaves.

"It is up to us as a community to redress the balance.

"Unless traders support Fairtrade products we can't get the status."

There are now more than 200 towns throughout the UK that have been awarded Fairtrade status.

In order to get Fairtrade status Malmesbury has to prove that at least two local stores are selling and promoting Fairtrade products.

The local council must pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in offices and canteens.

Michael Thomas and Son butchers in The Triangle already stocks a wide range of Fairtrade goods.

Mr Thomas said: "It is a misconception that it is going to be more expensive to buy Fairtrade.

"We sell Clipper tea and the Fairtrade option costs the same as the normal.

"Again, we sell Green and Blacks chocolate and it is the same price for a Fairtrade bar.

"People confuse Fairtrade with the organic products, which are certainly more costly."

Alan Woodward, chairman of Malmesbury Chamber of Commerce, said: "It will go ahead because a number of shops already stock Fairtrade goods.

"I think we would support it and it hopefully will benefit the town.

"Obviously it won't appeal to everyone but our main goal as a chamber is keep people shopping."

The Fairtrade awareness film Black Gold will be shown at St Mary's Hall on March 8. The application process will begin the following week.

For information about Fairtrade visit www.fairtrade.org.uk

8:24am Thursday 21st February 2008

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