People, leaders and companies in Bolton are already changing behaviours in response to climate change, with more changes likely to come.

Last month’s record-breaking temperatures saw an array of side-effects and changes in behaviours in Bolton, and experts and leaders are warning that habits will likely need to change further in the coming years to deal with a predicted increase in frequency of similar events.

Public transport companies were warning people to only use their services if absolutely necessary during the heatwave, and it seems as though people in the borough heeded that warning.

READ: Northern asks its customers to only travel if essential

Figures from Google, which uses location data from phones and other personal devices to track trends in people's movement in different areas of their daily lives, show activity on public transport in Bolton on Tuesday July 19 was 20.7 per cent below the week before.

On Monday July 18, the other day Met Office warnings were issued for, footfall was also 7.7 per cent down in the town on the previous week.

One resident even decided to delay their holiday because of the heatwave.

She said: "The thought of driving to Anglesey in a car, even with air conditioning just seemed unbearable, and then with the warning messages I decided to travel when it was cooler.

“I'm glad I made that decision after hearing the impact the heat was having on roads."

Behaviours might need to change in other areas too.

Many places in the country are currently under a hosepipe ban, however United Utilities confirmed that it isn’t considering any restrictions.

A spokesperson said: “The little bit of rain we’ve had has helped.

“We’re looking pretty much as we expect but we have to take things as they come.

“We encourage people to use water wisely. There are some top tips on our website. When people do this, it is good for their bills, and it is good for the environment.”

Changes in behaviour is not limited to the public, however. United Utilities, along with its counterparts across the country, are being challenged to reduce the water leakage in their network by 16 per cent over the five-year period up to 2025.

Over the past three years, the boroughs water provider has reduced its leakage by 4.7 per cent, lagging behind some of its contemporaries, with many seening reductions of over 10 per cent.

David Black, CEO of Ofwat - the national regulator for water companies who released the data – said: “We welcome the improvements companies have made in reducing leakage and it’s encouraging to see things heading in the right direction.

“That said, there is much further to go. In the drier weather we are all acutely aware of the impact of climate change and the value and importance of water.

“Customers rightly expect water companies to lead by example in caring for water and helping households to do the same.”

Cllr Martin McMulkin, who was invited by Bolton Labour to be its shadow Climate Champion before leaving the party, said: “We have a window of opportunity to make changes, but that window is getting smaller all the time.

"We can all do our bit, but unfortunately, we are at the mercy of our so-called elected representatives to implement and fund the changes required.

The Bolton News: Cllr Martin McMulkinCllr Martin McMulkin

“Changes required, let’s not forget, to save our planet and all life on it.

"That is why I commend and support those brave individuals that take part in civil disobedience and break the law because the time for a quiet chat around the table is long past.

“The very existence of future generations is hanging in the balance.”