Merton declared a Fairtrade borough (From Your Local Guardian)

Merton declared a Fairtrade borough

10:30am Monday 6th April 2009 in

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Merton has been declared a Fairtrade borough - marking the conclusion of a four year campaign to get local businesses using Fairtrade products.

Earlier this month a representative of the Fairtrade Foundation met with Mayor of Merton Councillor Martin Whelton and Stephen Hammond MP to officially announce the borough’s new status.

And to coincide with the declaration, children from Merton Park primary school took part in the world’s biggest banana eating event as more than 350,000 people throughout the UK and Ireland pledged to eat fairtrade banana’s in a 24-hour period.

Caroline Katiyo, chair of the Fairtrade Merton Group, said: “We are thrilled that Merton has now achieved Fairtrade status.

"It has been a privilege to meet with so many people in Merton throughout the campaign who support Fairtrade and seek to help others through buying fairtrade products.

“It was also great to see so many children supporting the campaign in a fun and memorable way.”

Merton Council cabinet member for the environment, Councillor David Simpson, added: ”It’s excellent that Merton residents and businesses have taken the values of Fairtrade to heart to support the poorest people in the world.”