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Renfrewshire Council Plan 2008 - 2012 Renfrew makes application to be Fairtrade town
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Renfrew has launched a bid to become the latest town in the area to be granted Fairtrade status.
The town's Fairtrade group has just submitted an application to the Fairtrade Foundation in London.
Bosses at the foundation will now decide whether Renfrew’s application fits the bill, and are expected to announce their decision within the next few weeks.
The application details the work which has been done by the town’s schools, churches and community groups to promote the Fairtrade cause, as well as a list of shops and workplaces which stock and use Fairtrade products.
If the bid is successful, Renfrew will join Paisley, Bishopton and Lochwinnoch in becoming a designated Fairtrade town or village. Renfrewshire was named as a Fairtrade county in 2009.
Councillor Bill Perrie, chair of the Renfrew Fairtrade group, said: "To get the Fairtrade stamp of approval would be a real boost for the town, and worthy recognition of the hard work put in by the community.
"By making this commitment to buy ethically-sourced goods, the community of Renfrew is doing its bit to help create a world that puts people before profit."
Councillor Brian Lawson, convener of the Renfrewshire Fairtrade Steering Group, added: "We have already had strong Fairtrade links across Renfrewshire for a number of years now, and it would be great to add another of our towns to the list.
"By buying Fairtrade, people know they are ensuring suppliers in the developing world are getting a fair price. We will continue to encourage as many Renfrewshire residents as possible to join us in our support for the scheme."
Renfrew already has a strong Fairtrade link, with Trinity High having being named as Scotland's first Fairtrade school back in 2004. Newmains Primary also became a Fairtrade school last year.
Renfrewshire is currently gearing up for the annual Fairtrade Fortnight event, which runs from 27 February to 11 March, and which will see a number of events taking place across the area.
Press release issued: 20 January 2012
