Local MEP Fiona hall "lighting the way"

9.00.00am GMT Tue 11th Mar 2008

Fiona Hall, local Lib Dem MEP and the Party's Energy Spokesperson in Europe, has launched a campaign against light pollution as part of an on-going effort to keep Northumberland at the forefront of measures to improve energy efficiency.

Ms Hall has written to Northumberland County Council to ask what action is being taken to limit light pollution and has launched an online petition where members of the public can sign up to the principles of saving energy by tackling light pollution.

Commenting at the launch of the 'Lighting the Way' campaign, Fiona Hall said:

"By launching my 'Lighting the Way' campaign I hope to raise the profile of the often forgotten issue of light pollution. Not only does obtrusive light result in the loss of the enjoyment of the night sky, but it also results in huge amounts of energy being wasted. As a result councils face bigger energy bills and create unnecessary CO2 emissions. Northumberland County Council can take really simple and easy steps to increase energy efficiency and decrease energy bills.

"Tackling light pollution does not mean turning off street lighting. The definition of wasted light is light which is not being used for the purpose for which it was intended. This includes light that simply shines upwards into the sky. Travelling on a plane we will often notice necklaces of light snaking along roads. This effect can be dramatically reduced by following simple guidelines on directing and positioning lights properly.

"I hope people will sign up to my online petition at www.fionahall.org.uk to show their support for the 'Lighting the Way' campaign and I look forward to working with Northumberland County Council to keep the region at the forefront of UK energy efficiency measures.

"Stargazers are very aware that the beauty of the night sky is under threat. Even in rural areas, the sky is now contaminated by an orange glow on the horizon. Wouldn't it be terrible if the spread of light pollution meant we would no longer experience the wonder of the Milky Way?"

You can sign up to Fiona's 'Lighting the Way' campaign at www.fionahall.org.uk.