ALTON is aiming to set an example by showing the politicians going to this winter’s crucial Paris climate talks just how much ordinary people want them to work for a positive outcome.

To this end, the Alton Climate Alliance is organising a rally in the Public Gardens on Saturday, November 28, two days before the talks open and one day before the big rally in London and other cities around the world.

And in order to build enthusiasm and collect ideas to make Alton’s rally a success, there is a preliminary ‘Climate Rally Countdown’ at the Assembly Rooms next Wednesday, September 30, at 7.30pm.

Introductory addresses will be by ‘Father of the Town’ Bob Weighton, aged 107, by a student (a great deal younger), and then by the convener of the Alliance, retired Alton GP James Willis. But the main purpose will be to give everyone an opportunity to contribute their ideas in an informal and friendly atmosphere.

Dr Willis said: “This is not an issue for environmentalists, it is for every thoughtful person who is not prepared to bet the future on the tiny chance that the overwhelming consensus of climate science is wrong.

“It is also a uniquely international issue, uniting the whole world. The mayor of Alton has written to the mayors of the Altons in New Hampshire, in Illinois, and in Texas, to tell them what we are doing and asking them if they have similar plans. She has done the same for our twin towns, Pertuis in France and Montecchio Maggiore in Italy, and also for Alton Staffordshire and the two Altons in Wiltshire.”

Closer to home, the Alliance is rapidly building a reputation on social media and the group an be reached via e-mail at [email protected].

Dr Willis concluded: “A recent UN survey found that almost 80 per cent of global citizens are very concerned about the impacts of climate change, while three out of four see action on climate change as an opportunity to improve their quality of life.

“Altonians, by raising their hands and saying ‘Count me in!’, could play a real part in ensuring the success of these vital talks.”