The article below is from the October 2007 edition of ‘Get the Taste in and Around Nottinghamshire’

Some time ago Borough Council set up a scrutiny committee to consider the issues of Fairtrade in Gedling. The committee recommended that the council should aim for Fairtrade status for the whole Borough

A group in Gedling which includes members from Oxfam, the County Council, some of the local schools and churches and the Fairtrade organisation are now seeking to gain Fairtrade status fir the Borough. This will include 5 goals which are summarized below.

1) Local Council passes a resolution. Gedling Borough Council have already passed a resolution to achieve Fairtrade status. Fairtrade tea and coffee are now served in the council offices and staff are encouraged to use them too. The resolution also committed the Council to the use of Fairtrade in its vending machines – the contract for leisure centres comes up for renewal in 2008.

2) A range of Fairtrade products are readily available in the area’s shops and Fairtrade products are sold in local cafes/catering establishments. Gedling needs to have 23 shops selling Fairtrade goods to achieve this goal.

3) Fairtrade products are used by a number of local workplaces and community organisations. Many churches are already involved as well as a number of schools.

4) Attract media coverage as well as popular support for the campaign

5) A local Fairtrade steering group is convened to ensure continued commitment to its fair-trade Town Status.