Newport is trading fair

Eighteen months after a newly-formed Fairtrade group launched their bid to convert the city and its residents to a fairer way of shopping, they have acheived their goal.

There are now 28 shops and 14 cafes across Newport, offering at least two different fairly traded products.

The Coffee Garden cafe on Charles Street was one of the last to join the list, giving the numbers the final boost they needed.

A directory of the city's Fairtrade outlets is now being produced and will be available during Fairtrade fortnight at the end of February.

This achievement comes at the end of 18 months hard work for the campaign team.

Events to promote Fairtrade since the bid was launched included a sell-out fashion show at Newport Centre, a schools Fairtrade art competition and exhibtion and a Fairtrade film show at the Riverfront.

Helen Forshaw, who led the Fairtrade steering group, said: "It has been a hard slog but we got there.

"For me it was diversity of people and support in Newport that was a pleasure. Help came from some unexpected places."

But she warned, the city cannot afford to sit back.

Having acheived Fairtrade City status, she said they would be expected to go on improving things every year in order to keep the title.

Plans for Newport's own Fairtrade website are currently underway, with help from city councillor Veronica Watkins, who is designing the site.

For more details or to get involved contact Helen Forshaw on 01633 423356.