A CAMPAIGNER is frustrated that Worcester has no signs to say it is a Fairtrade city.

Droitwich has five signs at various entrances to the town to tell people it has the Fairtrade mark – even though it was awarded this status nearly a year after Worcester.

The Fairtrade mark guarantees that overseas farmers have been offered a fair and stable market price for their products and campaigners say Worcester should make more of a fuss about its status.

Worcester was awarded fairtrade status over two years ago in July 2006 while Droitwich was awarded the Fairtrade mark in June 2007.

The Droitwich signs cost about £3,000 and Droitwich Town Council, assisted by Wychavon District Council, used its reserves to pay for them to be put up in March.

Anthony Wood, of the Worcester Trade Justice Network, said: “It’s very very frustrating. One of the many ways of getting the public to see we are a Fairtrade city is to show it on the signs.

“I would like to see them as soon as possible in time for Fairtrade Fortnight which runs between February 25 and March 8.”

Monica Giscombe-Garfield, secretary of Droitwich Fairtrade Town, said: “I’m very surprised Worcester hasn’t got their signs because they seemed to be ahead of us.

“I’m also surprised they haven’t got more pride in their town to publicise it more.

“I’m disappointed. They should be leading the way.”

A spokesman for Worcester City Council said: “The city council does not have the money in the current climate I’m afraid but the county council may take a different view of it.”

She also said there were a number of charitable organisations that would like to be mentioned on signs. “It’s a question of where you stop with these things,” she said.

A spokesman for Worcestershire County Council said: “We would love to have the budget to do that but residents would rather we spent our highways budget on clear directional signs, fixing potholes and footpaths.

“It’s just not cost-effective.”