THETFORD could become a Fairtrade town in a handful of years if a suggestion mooted at a town council meeting gets off the ground.

Local solicitor Simon John asked members to consider supporting the use of Fairtrade products throughout the town and use them wherever possible, for example in meetings and offices. The motion was unanimously passed and marks the first step towards the title of a Fairtrade Town.

A fledgling Fairtrade steering group is working towards the status in Thetford which would mean readily available Fairtrade products, as well as an understanding of what it means, and support from local organisations such as schools and places of worship.

This could take between two and four years to establish.

Speaking at last week’s town council meeting, Mr John said: “Many less well-off places have become Fairtrade towns. One important thing is it could complement the efforts already being made to improve the town’s image.”