A CALL for Christchurch to become a Fairtrade town has been backed by the local council.

Hundreds of people signed a petition which was presented to councillors at Christchurch earlier this year.

More than 1,500 signatures were collected for the petition with local residents urging the council to support the move.

And at a meeting of Christchurch council’s community services committee recently, councillors backed the proposal.

They have also agreed to continue using Fairtrade products at meetings and to promote the movement in their publications and website.

There are more than 500 Fairtrade towns in the UK and a huge amount in Dorset and Hampshire.

To raise awareness of the campaign, supporters have been working with local schools and the community to spread the word.

In March, pupils from Somerford Primary School sampled Fairtrade fruits from around the world and also got the chance to dip them in Fairtrade chocolate.

The Christchurch group have made a concerted effort to involve local youngsters in their campaign.

Cllr Ray Nottage, leader of Christchurch council said: “Embedded in our whole process is the importance of listening to our community.

“They clearly wanted something and more importantly they have shown that they are prepared to put themselves forward to deliver and we should support them.”

Despite the unanimous vote, Cllr David Jones expressed concern about Fairtrade.

He said: “Free trade is better than fairtrade.

“It gives more benefits to more people rather than a lifestyle that keeps people in a slightly lesser degree of poverty.”