ILMINSTER’S status as a fairtrade town has been renewed for another two years.

The town became the first in South Somerset to be given fairtrade status when it was granted the title in February last year, and is due its next renewal in April 2018.

The application outlined the town’s activities and progress to date, as well as proposals from 2016 to 2018.

Chairman of Ilminster Fairtrade, Roger Gurner, said: “We were delighted to learn that our application had been accepted and are keen to get started delivering our new action plan with the support of the local community, in particular our priority action; to purchase and install five new signs on the entrance roads to Ilminster, proudly declaring the town’s fairtrade status.

“We are calling on individuals and businesses to consider contributing towards or sponsoring the purchase and installation of the new signs.

“We are also reminding all traders, stocking Fairtrade items, to get in touch, if they wish to be included in a refreshed publication of the popular Ilminster Fairtrade leaflet and directory.”

The full details of the group’s plans for the next two years will be given in an open meeting on Monday, May 23, from 7pm in the Minster Rooms.

The Fairtrade Foundation said they were particularly impressed by recent efforts to improve the Ilminster Fairtrade website and increased use of social media, namely Facebook, to engage more of the local community in the movement.

Proposals to develop better links with schools and extend activities to other businesses and service providers in Ilminster and beyond were also well received.

The presentation of the new fairtrade town certificate will be made to a representative of Ilminster Town Council on the evening of May 23.

For more information, or to confirm your attendance, Visit www.ilminsterfairtrade.uk, or contact the secretary, Natalie Wainwright, on 07746 727002.