1.  My particular interest in Light Pollution stems from my position as secretary to the Vectis Astronomical Society and the Isle Of Wight Observatory.

  2.  Here on the Island we still have relatively dark skies away from the Mainland northern aspect which is affected by the glow over Portsmouth and Southampton.

  3.  This may not seem to be such an asset at first sight, until you actually see the night sky for yourself. This can be a revelation to city dwellers who are often spellbound at their first sight of the Milky Way stretching overhead on a clear night, and who can be deeply affected by a clear view of the night sky, which should be every man's birthright.

  4.  Astronomers in England have a constant battle with over-bright security and penetrating upward lighting, although there has been much (if patchy) progress by the Campaign for Dark Skies in recent years.

  5.  Sir Patrick Moore told us on a recent visit to guard this precious Island asset fiercely, but it is not so easy. We loathe having to interfere and play the role of kill-joys to people's fun and love of light, and we seldom win the arguments which have to be played out afresh with every case that is brought to our attention.

  6.  We know of course that there must be some light by night, but it is more or less out of control at the moment, dependent on the random views of a handful of local councillors and town planners, who are naturally and rightly interested in their statutory duty to keep the citizen safe.

  7.  It is frustrating to astronomers to know that sky-friendly lighting gives just as much visibility and security as the "sky-killers". There are excellent lamps which direct a soft light downwards and do not waste light in scatter and glare.

  8.  I have discovered in my dealings with individuals and with civic bodies that humanity divides between those whose first clear view of a starry sky "blows the mind" and those who see only a kind of navy-blue tablecloth with yellow spots. One of the latter sort on a council or planning office can play well-meaning havoc with our skies, simply by default, on account of their blind spot.

  9.  Since good lights are usually a little more expensive, economy usually wins. I consider that we need planning controls, with particular reference to sensitive areas as defined by local astronomy associations.

  10.  We would particularly like to see Light Planning Regulations around Observatories. Insensitive lighting adjacent to a well -used Observatory constitutes as big a nuisance to a community as I can think of. At the risk of sounding flippant, it is tantamount to siting a disco bar next to a monastery. It's just a different sort of noise.

  11.  Please may I put in a plea for sensitive mandatory Lighting Policies to protect the citizen's ancient, primaeval and fundamental link with the Universe and his sense of his place in the order of things?