CLIMATE change plans do not go far enough, according to a campaigning granddad from Rudheath.

Paul Mathias wants Northwich to turn its back on fossil fuels and pledge to use 100 per cent clean energy by 2050.

He presented an 400-name petition to Northwich Town Council and asked members to make a stand on behalf of the community and the rest of the world.

Speaking at the latest town council meeting Cllr Derek Bowden said: "His ideas were very powerfully and clearly expressed.

"He talked about a long-term sustainable future in terms of energy, which is a worry we all have, we all accept that the current energy patterns globally and in this country are not sustainable.

"Our reply is a balance between clean energy and the present need to make sure the lights go on each winter, which isn't totally clean because we don't have the technology and resources.

"It's a journey every country in the planet should be on.

"We try to steer that journey in our response and I think it's a reasonable response."

In the response Northwich Town Council agrees that climate change needs to be tackled and said it will commit to set an example by looking to switch its energy provider when its current fixed tariff comes to an end.

It also says that there are other ways to address climate change, including using less energy in homes and transportation.

The council said that its neighbourhood plan, which is currently being developed, is the chance for the community to set policies on efficiency standards for new homes, use of sustainable building material, maintaining woodland and open spaces, developing cycle routes and improving public transport.

Paul said: "I'm not surprised by the response but disappointed perhaps.

"It was never going to be easy for them because they don't have a lot of sway but it was an opportunity for them to set an example, be forward looking and visionary.

"The only positive thing they've said isn't very positive – 'we would seek to go to a clean energy supplier' – that's not really a commitment to anything."

Anyone interested in joining Paul's campaign should email him at paulmathias52@gmail.com or greennorthwich@mail.com.