A CAMPAIGN has been launched to transform Bury into a Fairtrade borough.

Businesses, residents and traders are being urged to support the scheme, which will ensure better prices, working conditions and sustainability by trading on fair terms with farmers and workers in the developing world.

Hundreds of towns across the country have already achieved Fairtrade status, and Bury could be the latest addition as it aims to be recognised as a Fairtrade borough this year.

Bury Fairtrade Steering Group has been working with the support of Bury Council to establish awareness and access to the products.

Many community groups are involved, including churches, schools and colleges, and many shops and restaurants sell Fairtrade goods.

Peter Roscoe, secretary of Bury Fairtrade Steering Group, said: “The Bury Fairtrade Group has been active in our Fairtrade campaign for the past 12 months and have made excellent progress.

“With active support from Bury Council, schools, community groups and supporters across the borough, we are confident we will meet the Fairtrade Foundation criteria and achieve fairtrade borough status in 2011.

“At this stage we are looking for additional support from catering outlets across the borough who support Fairtrade.”

He added: “Fairtrade will raise our profile in Bury while helping to ensure farmers and workers around the world earn enough for today and a better life for tomorrow.

“We can all do our bit to support Fairtrade — ask your local shops and cafes if they stock Fairtrade and why not try swapping one item in your shopping basket for a Fairtrade equivalent?”

The group wants to hear from any shops, restaurants or other businesses selling or providing Fairtrade products.

They are putting together a list of organisations supporting Fairtrade, which will be put on the group’s website.

To appear on the list or find out more about fairtrade call Peter Roscoe on 0161 761 6856 or visit bury.gov.uk/fairtrade