CAMPAIGNERS have again failed to get Fairtrade status for Witney.

Witney Town Council refused to back a motion that would pave the way for the town to get Fairtrade status, saying consumers should make their own mind up about purchases.

Supporters say Fairtrade products give Third World producers a better deal.

The Fairtrade Foundation says the status sees firms and community groups “pledging to do what they can to support Fairtrade and promote the Fairtrade Mark”.

Labour’s Duncan Enright put forward the motion on Wednesday night, but it failed to get a seconder on the Conservative-controlled council.

Council backing is needed for the status under foundation rules.

Conservative councillor Chrissie Curry said: “The council’s view that it considers it a matter of personal choice has been long established.

“We are not against Fairtrade, we support it 100 per cent, but it was felt not in the council’s remit to support one organisation over another.”

It passed an amendment saying the council would debate it in the general purposes committee meeting.

Mr Enright said he was “disappointed” but said: “This is a second best way, but it is another good way.”

Witney area Fairtrade action group coordinator Wendy Maddison said: “We warmly welcome the discussion that was had at the council meeting and view the outcome as a tentative step forward.”