City campaign gathers pace

The campaign for Lichfield to be granted Fairtrade City status by next March is gathering pace.

Thirty people attended a meeting hosted by Fairtrade Lichfield to discuss the campaign, and organisers have issued an action plan.

Although much progress has already been made to raise awareness of fairtrade across the city, there is still much to be done. Michael Hawkes, chair of Fairtrade Lichfield, has revealed that the target date to achieve the status is March 8, 2008. Mr Hawkes has also outlined five points in a progress report.

It urges all organisations in the city to back the campaign. "We are asking people to congratulate Lichfield District Council on adopting a fairtrade policy, along with Lichfield City and Staffordshire County Councils," said Mr Hawkes.

"The district council is now committed to encouraging its trading outlets like the Lichfield Garrick theatre and the leisure centres to use fairtrade products." And the council would be asked when fairtrade refreshments at the theatre's Green Room cafe and bar would be introduced.

Five cafe and restaurant venues have also revealed their commitment to serving up fairtrade refreshments, and customers are encouraged to visit these places, and go into others and ask for fairtrade products.

In the business sector, several prominent city businesses have pledged their alliance to fairtrade, and have adopted Corporate Social Responsibility Policies. Now employers are being urged to encourage their colleagues to climb aboard the fairtrade scheme.

Mr Hawkes said community organisations such as The Lichfield Festival and most of the Lichfield Churches Together member churches, have also indicated their support.

And he is urging everyone to make their commitment to fairtrade known, and they will be included in the Fairtrade Lichfield Directory.