Lasers Over Southampton (and much of South Hampshire)

Lasers over Southampton (And much of South Hampshire)

by John Cooper, Chairman, Branch Planning Group

CPRE has long campaigned against light pollution and has been engaged with the British Astronomical Society in a Dark Skies Campaign to make people and policy makers aware of the increasing impact of light pollution on our enjoyment of the sky at night. We therefore reacted with horror to the proposal from Southampton City Council to inflict on us a 'Laser Gateway' to the City, 3 laser beams shining from the Clock Tower of the Civic Centre and visible at up to 15 miles away. That means further light pollution across the New Forest, the Isle of Wight and the South Downs. To add insult to injury the City press release referred to a monumental landmark for everyone approaching Southampton "by sea, air, car or rail"!

John Cooper in his role as Chairman of the Branch Planning Group wrote objecting in the strongest possible terms on environmental grounds and with support from CPRE National Office made common cause with similar like minded groups. The City was subjected to a wave of adverse comment; the media were heavily involved and John was heard on no less than 5 local radio shows. The immediate upshot was a decision to put off a decision - by proposing to embark on a trial in the Autumn.

In a press notice at the time we said

"The notion that Southampton would strengthen its brand by beaming green beams of coloured light deep into rural night skies is utterly mistaken. The City would be a much better neighbour if it left to nature to provide a light show of moon, stars and planets in the nearby countryside. From the reactions we have had so far, the City risks upsetting its neighbours if it adopts the idea".

The Campaign continues and those living in the immediate vicinity of Southampton are invited to write in with their personal objections. And by the way the initial proposal would cost £249,000 of taxpayers' money!

May 2007