Having been actively involved in environmental issues in and around Wellesbourne and Southam, he announced a change of heart this week.

Mr Maples will no longer be supporting the government's proposed Climate Change Bill. He told the Courier he had come to new conclusions after spending many hours reading books and essays on the issue.

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He said: "Yes, I think we should be doing something about the problem, but more gradually. The economics stack up against our trying to reduce climate conditions.

"It would be much better to adapt ourselves to living in hotter climates.

"The fact the US and China have not agreed to the conditions of the Kyoto approach means that there is no chance of reducing emissions.

"Even if European countries took measures, the effect on global conditions would be very small and we would be giving ourselves huge economic costs.

"That would actually encourage more people to move to China and India, which will make things even worse."

Mr Maples cited nuclear proliferation and terrorism as "more important issues" for more immediate attention.

He added: "If people realised how much the Climate Change Bill would cost them, I think many would agree with me. The targets being set by the government are totally unrealistic.

"I am happy to debate my position with anyone."

Southam mayor Linda Tasker, who is also a member of recently formed 'eco' group Greener Southam, was not expecting Mr Maples' announcement.

She said: "I'm surprised because I know he is very supportive of issues to alleviate flooding - only a few weeks ago he was keen to alleviate the effects of climate change.

"The town council supports measures to encourage recycling and re-use, and to have a greater environmental awareness of what we as individuals can do - it has to start from the grass roots up."

Following a Stratford District Council meeting on Monday, the Conservative-led executive issued the following statement: "The council notes that John Maples made a thoughtful and well-informed speech in the second reading debate on the Climate Change Bill.

"We have further noted that Mr Maples supports the council's aim of securing a reduction in its own carbon footprint and the inclusion on our website of a link to help residents find out their own carbon footprint."