SHOPPERS with a conscience will welcome the news Harrow has finally become a Fairtrade borough two years after Brent achieved the feat.

The designation was bestowed on the borough by The Fairtrade Foundation after four years of work by a committee headed by former councillor and mayor Nana Asante .

It shows businesses, public buildings and places of worship have united to adopt the sale of the Fairtrade brand of products that ensure producers and manufacturers, and workers, are paid a fair price for the goods and that the working conditions are satisfactory.           

Chairman of Harrow Central Mosque, Irfan Hussain receiving the Fairtrade award from the-then Harrow Council leader Councillor Susan Hall, and the then Mayor of Harrow, Nana Asante
Chairman of Harrow Central Mosque, Irfan Hussain receiving the Fairtrade award from the-then Harrow Council leader Councillor Susan Hall, and the then Mayor of Harrow, Nana Asante

Harrow Council ’s portfolio holder for community, culture and resident engagement, Councillor Sue Anderson (Labour) said: “This is fantastic news, and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed and helped the borough secure Fairtrade status.

“This just goes to show how communities, businesses and the council can work together to achieve something really positive.

“The work doesn’t stop here, we will continue our Fairtrade campaign and we hope to see more businesses and communities join the campaign.”

Many stores and supermarkets in the borough have Fairtrade status themselves while restaurants, coffee shops and catering firms also use the brand.

Seven schools supply Fairtrade products to staff and pupils, and more than 20 are more loosely involved with Fairtrade while lots of religious organisations such as Middlesex New Synagogue and Harrow Central Mosque have contributed too, and the use of Fairtrade items by several charities and community groups helped Harrow’s cause.

Ms Asante, chairwoman of the Harrow Fairtrade steering group, said: “Thanks to all those worked towards this achievement, especially Councillor Susan Hall, Jerry Hickman, Finlay Flett and all past members of the steering group.”

To achieve Fairtrade status, a borough must: demonstrate its council has passed a motion of intent; list shops, supermarket and cafes stocking at least two Fairtrade products; show a sizeable number of schools and faith communities support Fairtrade; and show evidence of media coverage.