Local News
Issue 1020
Call 0114 283 11 00
2nd August 2018
www.looklocal.org.uk
7
STOCKSBRIDGE RENEWS FAIRTRADE STATUS STOCKSBRIDGE has successfully renewed Fairtrade Town status for two years, following its ongoing commitment to promoting Fairtrade principles. Stocksbridge Fairtrade Group celebrated the achievement by presenting the certificate to Councillor Julie Grocutt, Mayor of Stocksbridge, at The Town Council meeting on July 12. The Stocksbridge Fairtrade Steering Group revealed its plans to promote Fairtrade to more community groups and businesses in the area by taking part in campaigns, including the UK-wide Fairtrade Fortnight at the end of February. The group have said they will continue to be present at as many community events as possible throughout the year. Stocksbridge was first awarded the Fairtrade status in 2015 in recognition of the strong support for Fairtrade within the town, and the achievement of five qualifying goals, such as a wide availability of Fairtrade products in local shops and catering outlets, high levels of support from local people, businesses, the council, faith groups and schools.
Cllr Julie Grocutt, Mayor Stocksbridge, is handed the certificate
Margaret Derbyshire, chair of the steering group, commented: “We could not have achieved this status without the continued
support of The Town Council and the people of Stocksbridge.” Adam Gardner, Communities Campaigns Manager at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “We’re very pleased that Stocksbridge has renewed their Fairtrade status and laid out clear exciting goals to take Fairtrade further. “Thanks to the ongoing support of the public and campaigners, an increasing number of farmers in developing countries are now selling their products on Fairtrade terms, bringing them a stable income, and the chance to trade their way out of poverty.” Fairtrade helps small-scale farmers ensure they earn stable incomes and have long-term contracts with companies. In addition, they earn the Fairtrade Premium, which they invest as the farmer-owned co-operative democratically chooses, in projects that will benefit their business or community. The Fairtrade Mark independently certifies that products meet economic, social and environmental standards. As such, it is the most widely recognised ethical mark worldwide. For more information about the Fairtrade Mark and how to apply for Fairtrade status, visit www.fairtrade.org.uk.
More than 60 people prosecuted for falsely using blue badges MORE than 60 people have now been successfully prosecuted for using someone else’s blue badge to park for free in Sheffield – with fines totally around £30,000. In the latest three prosecutions, a further 15 people have been fined £5,575 – an average of more than £450 per fine. The blue badge is confiscated upon successful prosecution with no guarantee that it can be re-applied for, meaning that the badge holder and potentially their families are left out of
pocket and inconvenienced by the actions. Councillor Jack Scott, Cabinet Member for Transport and Development at Sheffield City Council, said: “Using a blue badge in this way is an abhorrent way to secure free parking, no matter what the excuse. People who wrongly use these spaces are denying people with a genuine need the opportunity to do so. “These prosecutions don’t just end with a fine but with the confiscation of a badge as well – which has been genuinely awarded in the first place. So, my
message is – don’t be tempted to use a relative or friends’ badge no matter what the circumstances. You will be fined and your friend or relative will lose the advantages that come with having a badge. “The improper use of blue badges has a major impact on people who actually do have disabilities, causing parking problems and discrediting the whole scheme. “Nobody else can use the blue badge unless they are travelling with the owner. My team won’t hesitate to continue confiscating blue
badge passes where they are abused.” In the cases the council has prosecuted so far, more than 98 per cent of the blue badges have been withdrawn. There’s a full list of blue badge regulations available at www.sheffield. gov.uk/home/parking/ blue-badge or by calling 0114 2734567. There are currently more than 24,000 blue badges in circulation within Sheffield – 225 of these belong to organisations and the remainder are individual badges.
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