Leeds town achieves recognition for Fair Trade

Civic leaders revealed the decision this week, following a year-long campaign that included raising awareness in schools and collaborating with churches and businesses.

A working group was set up, with the backing of Morley Town Council, in 2017 in a bid to provide Fair Trade products across the town and pledge to boost awareness of the issue.

Council bosses say the newly-earned Fair Trade status recognises the “compassion” of Morley’s businesses and residents.

Coun Robert Finnigan, leader of the town council, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “I would like to congratulate the working group, churches, schools and local traders for their work and support towards achieving this Fairtrade Status for the town.

“Morley Folk are renowned for their compassion for others and supporting the Fairtrade movement gives producers in the developing world a fair deal for their products.”

The Fair Trade movement was set up by the Fairtrade Foundation for farmers and workers.”

It aims to support the development of farming and worker communities and help better protect the environment.

The town council last year pledged to use Fair Trade products.

Coun Finnigan added: “The town council kicked off this campaign by passing a resolution to support an application for Fairtrade status at a meeting over a year ago. Since then a Fairtrade Working Group – supported with a grant from Morley Town Council – has undertaken the work of promoting Fairtrade across the town and in schools and local churches – many of whom already support the Fairtrade movement.”

As part of the new status, signs across Morley and letters sent by the town council to residents will now bear the Fair Trade mark.