Shoppers in Morley could be set to stock up on Fairtrade products in a bid to help the town gain ethical recognition.

The former textile town is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Harrogate, Otley, Mirfield and Batley – who already have Fairtrade town status.

Fairtrade products help workers in the developing world to get decent working conditions and better prices. Members of Morley Town Council have thrown their weight behind the bid and will work with local businesses to help make Fairtrade products available.

Councillor Neil Dawson, who called for the town to adopt the status, said: “It is great that we are taking steps to achieve Fairtrade town status.

“This movement is making a huge difference to many people across the world and this will show that taking action in Morley can have an impact around the globe, and that we can influence the world trading system.”

To claim the coveted Fairtrade town status, Morley must meet five stringent guidelines, which comes from the national group responsible for promoting fairtrade goods nationwide.

It will have to demonstrate that:

* A range of Fairtrade products are sold in local shops and served in local cafes

* The local council has passed a resolution supporting Fairtrade

* Fairtrade products are used by a number of local workplaces and community organisations

* There is popular support for the campaign

* A group is convened to ensure continued commitment to Fairtrade Town status

Councillor Dawson added: “Achieving Fairtrade status was one of the issues we included in our manifesto and I am delighted to see it has been adopted by the Town Council.”

This article first appeared in the Yorkshire Evening Post.