Members of the Parish Council met with South Gloucestershire Streetcare, Police and other Council representatives on 10th September to discuss the street light partial switch off.

We went through the various correspondance and telephone calls received from parishioners (approximately ten people wrote or telephoned in opposition to the initiative) and discussed each one.

Two issues were brought out.

Firstly, not all the lamps are going on and off at the same time or even close. Streetcare admitted this was a real issue and affirmed they would attempt to have all the lights acting within thirty minutes of each other. Secondly, and partly due to the above problem, it was recommended that the times be altered to 00h30 = off and 05h00 = on.

The overall and estimated cash and carbon savings were presented. At current electricity prices we are saving £1, 862 per year, and 11,557 kg of CO2 (eleven and a half tonnes). We were advised that other parts of South Gloucestershire are now asking for part-night lighting and that we are being monitored by other interested County Councils.

Finally, before and after photographs were also presented. I think they show better than mere words how the night sky has changed. There is still light pollution, but it’s not ours!

BEFORE

AFTER