Astronomer's light pollution plea

The UK is looking at ways of tackling its light pollution problem

An astronomy society in Guernsey says the island's residents should not be content to ignore the problem of light pollution.

Guernsey is well-known for its clear skies and is popular with stargazers.

In the UK the House of Commons Science and Technology committee is calling on the government do more to tackle the problem.

And Debbie Quertier of the Astronomy section of La Société Guernesiaise says islanders can also do things to ensure light pollution does not become a problem in Guernsey.

"The UK is the second worse place for light pollution after the Netherlands and I hope Guernsey won't go the same way," she said.

"I think whenever people are thinking about new developments they should stop and think how necessary the lighting is.

"We are all guilty, sometimes we just don't think.

"Have lights where you need them by all means but point them downwards and use lower wattage bulbs."