Fair enough!

The news that Brentwood is to become a fairtrade borough has been welcomed by Brentwood Liberal Democrats. Our area is now on the map as a borough which supports fair treatment for farmers and workers in developing countries.

To achieve Fairtrade Borough status Brentwood Council has had to make a commitment to supporting Fairtrade and using Fairtrade products. Fairtrade helps to ensure that disadvantaged farmers and workers in developing countries are treated fairly and get a better deal for their products.

Brentwood North Cllr Ross Carter, who has sat on the Fairtrade Steering Group for the past three years, commented:

"This accolade recognises the efforts of the Brentwood Fairtrade Steering group, particularly Caryl Kwei, schools and educational establishments, faith organisations, retailers and workplaces in our Borough in supporting this worthy cause. The steering group has held numerous events in Brentwood, Shenfield, Hutton and the villages to raise the profile of Fairtrade across the borough and I am so pleased that Brentwood is playing it's vital part in encourage local people to give Fairtrade products a chance. I am proud that our Council is committed to supporting Fairtrade in the borough and will now provides Fairtrade products wherever possible.

"As consumers we often pick up products without giving much thought to their origins. The Fairtrade movement encourages us to pay closer attention to where our shopping comes from and whether the farmers who produce the items we buy are getting a fair deal"

Fairtrade status is a cause that is particularly close to Cllr Carter's heart, having been involved in supporting Fairtrade while at University five years ago.