HOPES to transform Westhoughton into a Fairtrade town have been rejected.

Cllr David Wilkinson, who represents Hoskers and Hart Common Ward, put forward  a proposal to Westhoughton Town Council for it to become a Fairtrade town.

He said it would provide money for “dirt-poor farmers” and people in need in third world countries. Cllr Wilkinson said Horwich Town Council has Fairtrade status. Horwich Town Council has been a Fairtrade town since June 2005 after members gave their backing a year earlier.

It supports disadvantaged farmers and workers in developing countries get a better deal by using only Fairtrade tea and coffee at all its meetings.

Westhoughton Town Council’s clerk Christine Morris questioned whether it would be money well spent to promote goods from Africa when the town council is there for local residents.

Cllr David Chadwick, who represents Central Ward, said the four supermarkets in Westhoughton, along with Cherry’s in Wigan Road, and a number of schools and churches in the town had already shown a commitment to Fairtrade.

He added: “In principle we all support the ideology of it but it’s hard to see how we can take it any further.”

Cllr Phil Ashcroft, for White Horse Ward, said: “I don’t want to knock Fairtrade but I think some of it is rubbish. I think that having to serve Fairtrade coffee to show your support is an absolute joke.”

Cllr Jack Speight, Chequerbent Ward, supported Cllr Wilkinson’s proposal. The majority of councillors voted against, agreeing that a previous decision against becoming a Fairtrade town from 2010 continues to stand.Cllr Chadwick said members supported Fairtrade but were not in a position to influence residents.