I was attending a meeting in the Gedling Borough Council building today and something caught my eye which made me vary happy indeed. In the reception was a stall promoting Fairtrade and announcing that the Borough of Gedling is aiming for Fairtrade town status. This means that after the City of Nottingham it will be the first borough in the county to gain Fairtrade status.

To demonstrate their committment to this the council have set out 5 main goals:

1. The council has already passed a Fairtrade resolution.
2. Fairtrade goods must be sold in local shops and Fairtrade products served in local cafes and restaurants.
3. Fairtrade products must be used by a number if local workplaces and community organisations
4. Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign
5. Set up a Fairtrade steering group of councillors, campaigners and representatives from locals schools, churches and businesses.

If you are a resident of Gedling Borough and would like to be involved or express your support then don’t delay! Either visit the Arnold Civic Centre and fill in an expression of interest form or telephone Allan Leadbeater on 0115 961 1316 or Phil Barlow on 0115 952 6488.

This is such great news and a massive step forward for Gedling! I love the idea of being able to walk to a local cafe and sit down with a lovely hot fair trade coffee rather than this being an unusual treat you can only find in the city centre. All credit to our local borough council for taking the lead, you have GGGs support and good wishes!

Visit the Gedling Borough council website to find out more about their aims for Fairtrade town status.