Light pollution in Cheshire on the increase

11:36am Thursday 21st February 2008

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LIGHT polluted land in Cheshire is on the increase and almost 29 per cent of the county has become brighter at night since 1993.

On a totally dark night the Royal Astronomical Society estimates about 2,000 stars should be visible in the night sky, but in many areas across the North West light pollution reduces visibility to a few dozen.

About half the population of the UK cannot see the Milky Way from their homes.

Main sources of light pollution, caused by artificial light reflecting on airborne dust particles and water droplets, are from street lighting, security lighting and floodlighting of sports grounds, buildings and advertising signs.

Light pollution is blamed for a drastic fall in insect numbers. Attracted by increasing numbers of security and floodlights, the creatures fly around all night and eventfully fall to the ground exhausted. This has consequences for birds and spiders that feed on these insects, and their numbers are also in decline.

The UK is the second worst country for light pollution in Europe and light pollution in the North West is increasing more than in any other English region.

Cheshire and South Manchester Euro-MP Chris Davies is supporting calls from dark sky campaigners for the European Commission to legislate to reduce the pollution.

The Liberal Democrat MEP said: "Light pollution not only impairs our ability to see the stars, but it is also a waste of energy. The majority of electricity comes from fossil fuelled powered stations that cause air pollution and contribute to global warming."

He added: "To see the full glory of the stars in the night sky is not only a beautiful experience, it also gives perspective on our lives. We can have television, cinema and theme parks, but we shouldn't be denied the most glorious spectacle of all."