CAMPAIGNERS pushing for High Wycombe to become a Fairtrade Town have been backed in their quest by council chiefs.

The High Wycombe Town Committee supported a motion put forward by the Wycombe for Fairtrade steering group, which has been working to secure Fairtrade status for the town for five years.

The steering group’s chairman, Mike King, said: “It was the right decision and it has taken a long time to reach this point.”

The status is given when Fairtrade products are readily available in a town’s shops and restaurants, and there is significant awareness of the Fairtrade ethos in businesses, schools, community groups and places of worship.

Steering group secretary Sarah Moroz believes the stamp of approval from the Fairtrade Foundation would be a “badge of honour” and make Wycombe more attractive to businesses and organisation thinking of moving into the town.

She said: “We needed this motion and the support of the council to meet the five criteria of obtaining the award. We also have a bit to do in terms of the work in schools and churches, but we’re not far off now.

“Having Fairtrade status would improve the image of the town. It would show we are an outward looking town and attractive to any business.

“Many of the surrounding towns, like Aylesbury, Reading and Slough, have the award - so we are standing out for not having it at the moment.”

The motion backed by the High Wycombe Town Committee will go before Wycombe District Council’s Cabinet to be formally ratified.

Fairtrade was launched to help alleviate poverty by securing better prices, improved working conditions, sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.

The Wycombe for Fairtrade steering group is also looking for new members. Contact Sarah Moroz at sarah@helpfulsoftware.co.uk.