Fairtrade Town status renewed

Published Wednesday, 28th August 2019

Hartlepool's status as a Fairtrade Town has been renewed for a further two years.

The extension was granted by the Fairtrade Foundation following an application by the Hartlepool Fairtrade Town Steering Group,

Through the on-going promotion of Fairtrade certified goods, the steering group aims is to raise awareness of the plight of food growers in some of the world’s poorest countries who are often exploited and badly paid. Buying goods with the Fairtrade mark guarantees the growers a fair price.

Chair Martin Green said: “Hartlepool was the first town in the Tees Valley to achieve Fairtrade Town status back in 2005, and this latest renewal shows how our commitment to the principles of Fairtrade remains as strong as ever.

“I would like to thank everyone who supports the Fairtrade campaign in Hartlepool, including a number of local schools with whom we have forged very close links.”

He added that he is keen to hear from any businesses or community groups already promoting Fairtrade or interested in supporting the steering group’s aims.

Fairtrade supporters

The Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool, Councillor Brenda Loynes (second left) with Hartlepool Fairtrade Town Steering Group members Councillor Brenda Harrison (third left) and Martin Green (second right) and long-time Fairtrade supporters Diana Wanduragala and Bill White.

Councillor Brenda Loynes, the Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool, said: “I am delighted that we have retained our Fairtrade Town status and I would like to thank all of the members of the Hartlepool Fairtrade Town Steering Group – both past and present – for their hard work and dedication to the cause.”

Councillor Brenda Harrison, who recently joined the steering group as a representative of Hartlepool Borough Council, added: “As an authority, we think it is very important to support the principles of Fairtrade and I am personally very happy to have been given the chance to join the steering group and get involved in the excellent work that it carries out.”

For more information about Fairtrade go to www.fairtrade.org.uk or follow Hartlepool Fairtrade Town on Facebook at /hpoolfairtrade