Town a step nearer to Fairtrade status

Sep 12 2007 By Eddie Docherty, East Kilbride News

EAST Kilbride will take another step closer to becoming a Fairtrade town.

South Lanarkshire Council is expected to throw its weight behind the campaign to acquire such status, by using Fairtrade produce in all its East Kilbride buildings, such as catering facilities, and by promoting the concept through its publications.

It is also expected to agree to put signs around East Kilbride denoting it as a Fairtrade town, should it be awarded such status.

The cost of the signs would amount to around £5000. However, the council said it was a price which could be met.

SLC’s Executive Committee, which meets today (Wednesday), is expected to recommend the steps.

The East Kilbride Fairtrade Group was set up two years ago to promote the move and as well as having regular meetings, it has also convinced a number of local traders throughout the town to stock Fairtrade produce, exceeding the minimum number of premises required to apply for such status.

Chair of the East Kilbride Fairtrade Group, Joan Wright, said she was absolutely delighted with the news.

She said: “This is fantastic.

“If it’s passed, it means we can write to the Fairtrade Foundation with SLC’s letter of support which should guarantee East Kilbride becomes a Fairtrade town — hopefully by the end of year.

“We have everything else in place with the required amount of shops and cafes selling Fairtrade produce and the support of local schools, churches and community groups.

“It would be great if we could announce the good news at our Christmas Fairtrade event, which we have planned for November.”

Meanwhile, the local group says it still hopes to hold a local Fairtrade football tournament.

A planned event due to take place in the Showpark in August, had to be postponed because the pitch became flooded after a bout of heavy rain.

However, the group hopes to rearrange another event for sometime later this month or in early October.