All the large supermarkets have 24 hour lighting of their car park and delivery area. Thise people who have lived near a football pitch/supermarket/any other public facility employing spot lighting will know that the light around these facilities spreads across the whole area. Even when measures are taken to reduce the light spill it still infringes on the whole of the surrounding area. In Sidley it's possible to see the light from the football ground when you are over a mile from the ground - and that's just a local football ground. Unlucky of you want your children, or indeed yourselves, to get some sleep.
Good point, Sylvie! I found this page on the DEFRA site, which explains how the law defines light pollution and how it deals with the problem. And a problem it obviously is already.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/localenv/nuisance/light/index.htm
Hi Sylvie - light spill also adversely affects wildlife - most notably birds and nocturnal creatures. As if it were not bad enough already! Quite frankly, this isn't about the interests of the town or its people; it's about corporate greed, which is set to ruin everything in this country. When developers were given permission to purchase the 3 outdoor swimming pools at Black Rock, Brighton, in order to build a marina, they went bust - during the time of the last property slump/recession (not unlike circumstances being faced today!) They promised faithfully at the time that the residents of Brighton would have one, larger, better, newer swimming pool in place of the 3 in return for relinqushing this facility. Strangely, none such ever emerged. The marina remained a white elephant for many years (some would say it still is, given that the attractions there are sub-standard and mooring fees are prohibitively high) and guess who arrived to fill in the redundant water space? Yes, you've probably guessed it ... our old friends, ASDA/Walmart! Certianly no talk of the local authority holding ASDA to the agreement entered into by the original site developers. Hence, no outdoor swimming pool at Brighton Black Rock any more. Why is it that local authorities act in this autonomous fashion without involving the local people whom they are supposed to be there to serve? Some of it smacks of an involvement all too close for comfort!
I'd like to add a point-we as householders are asked to switch lights off in rooms we are not using, don't leave elctrical good on standby. I like to do my bit but isn't it a bitter pill to swallow when supermarkets and the ilk, stay alight for 24 hours!!