IT’S a global problem that has got governments scratching their heads the world over.

But a seven-strong group from Alresford is hoping their grassroots campaign will go some way to helping the fight against climate change.

On Saturday, a special week of acoustic music — dubbed “Alresford Unplugged”— kicks off the town’s drive to reduce its carbon footprint.

Then, next month the Alresford Greening Campaign team will send a list of 10 simple energy-cutting ideas to every household in the town.

The suggestions will include turning thermostats down by one degree, washing laundry at 30 degrees, switching off standby buttons and closing curtains at dusk.

But Ken Yeldham, chairman of New Alresford Town Council — which refused a £500 grant application from the campaign earlier this year — has poured scorn on the idea.

He said it was his opinion that the initiative would be like “spitting in the wind” because of pollution created by industrialisation in India and China.

“There’s better things they can do,” said Cllr Yeldham. “The town is short of volunteer drivers and elderly people need help with their shopping. I just don’t think we’re going to fix the problem in Alresford.”

Catherine Swann, who is spearheading the environmental drive in Alresford, said she had received very positive feedback from other residents.

Mrs Swann, of Orchard Close, said: “People are becoming more aware of the need to do something and the cost of energy is definitely helping our campaign. The point of the campaign is to get people who are doing nothing, which is a lot of people, to do something.”

Mrs Swann praised the town’s business community for being supportive of her ideas but said it was harder for them to change their habits than residents.

“The trouble with businesses is they have got other considerations,” she said. “For example they can’t recycle rubbish as easily. But I am hoping that if the will is there from the residents, then businesses will follow suit at some stage.”

Once at least five items of the energy-cutting list have been ticked off, organisers are asking residents to display a card in their window to say they’ve taken part. Mrs Swann said she would then — together with other members of the group — trawl the streets to see how many people are taking part.

“Alresford Unplugged” events include: Basingstoke Male Voice Choir, St John’s Church (October 11); The Pete Harris Trio playing acoustic blues, The Bell (October 12); environmental quiz night, The Horse and Groom (October 13); live music, Pizza Express (October 14); jazz, The Globe on the Lake (October 15); light acoustic music, the Running Horse (October 18); reading by poet Peter Dickinson Alresford Art Gallery (October 19).