HASLEMERE Town Council resisted a motion to declare a Climate Change Emergency at full council last Thursday (July 25) but recognised concerns and pledged to clarify its response at the next meeting on Thursday, September 26.

Newly elected Green Party members Claire Matthes and Gary Lloyd proposed the motion, which also asked the council to acknowledge that ‘business as usual’ is not an option in the face of the climate and biodiversity emergency, and that society in its current form is unsustainable.

The council was asked to meet its obligations “by resolving to assess and adjust its current activities”.

Four supporters used the public speaking slot to urge members to make the declaration.

Warning more extreme weather would bring “greatly increased fire risks ” locally, Transition Haslemere chair Clive Davidson (see also letters on Page 25) said the “massive challenge” needed urgent action at all levels and Haslemere “should be part of the solution”.

Haslemere risk manager Jenny Condit said: “How wonderful it would be if the town council endorses the motion and what a mockery if it doesn’t.”

Following a heated debate, however, in which members went head to head on how best to respond, the town council pledged its commitment to bring forward measures and proposals.

“We wish to send a clear message to our community that we are listening to their concerns about climate change and signal that we intend to take action,”it stated.

“A working party is to be set up to explore the costing and resources for Haslemere Town Council and its findings incorporated into this emergency environmental motion.”

Arguing that making an immediate declaration need not prevent a working party costing the implications, Cllr Nikki Barton, who is a member of Surrey County Council’s climate change group, said: “There is a need for detail, but a need to get going as soon as possible.

“Our house is on fire can we wait two months to put it out?”

But a majority of fellow members advised the town council needed to know the full costing implications before making a public declaration.

Cllr Simon Dear said: “Town council specific suggestions should be properly costed.

“An extremist approach such as this confounds the objective.”

Speaking after the meeting, Mrs Matthes and Mr Lloyd said they were “disappointed” but pleased the council had pledged consideration, and were “confident” it would follow Godalming’s lead.