Letter: Let there (not) be light

Letter: I was delighted to see Andy Boddington's letter on April 19 about reducing street lighting to give us back the night skies.

As an astronomy enthusiast living in the Strettons I particularly support his proposal for a starlight sanctuary in the south Shropshire Hills.

Last year, the International Year of Astronomy, the Shropshire Astronomical Society attracted a lot of public interest at two observing sessions at Attingham Hall.

Last month a public meeting about astronomy at the National Trust centre in Carding Mill Valley attracted well over 100 people of all ages, and there is a lot of interest in holding local observing evenings.

I hope there will be plenty of public support for our councils in exploring well thought-out, selective reductions in lighting, and better lighting systems than the motorway-style floodlights which disfigure our towns and villages.

It's a win-win opportunity in the present economic crisis: lower energy costs, a reduced carbon footprint, and the restoration to our grandchildren of one of nature's most stunning marvels.

Rt Rev Michael Bourke

Little Stretton