Following a low-key opening on September 14, the Alton Energy Advice Café at 16 Market Square had its official launch on September 28.

Residents have been popping in to see the volunteers and council officers to find out more about the facility, have a chat and seek information on energy-related matters including energy saving home appliances, options for home insulation and booking home energy surveys.

Volunteers from the Alton Climate Action Network and Energy Alton have made it a relaxing and welcoming space with comfy sofas and meeting space.

There are displays of insulation, smart meters and information leaflets, and the Community Cupboard has donated free cakes and pastries to enjoy with a cup of tea. The café has had secondary glazing fitted to demonstrate how easy it can be to make simple changes to reduce energy consumption.

Alton town mayor Cllr Ginny Boxall said: “With the press increasingly talking about the cost of living crisis that we are all currently facing, to be able to open this café, giving the community a place to come and receive advice on reducing their energy consumption, which cuts costs and lowers your carbon footprint, is such a practical way of helping residents. We encourage as many people as possible to come along and make use of the facility.”

John Hubbard from Energy Alton said: “Easy to access, informal and independent advice is much needed, especially as autumn approaches. It’s easy to get simple tips about energy saving or sign up for a free home energy survey and we are now also offering this service to small businesses.”