Having been affected over many, many years by the light spillage from the local college extremely high all weather pitch floodlights shining directly into our living room and bedrooms we submit our views.

  We trust the committee will give equal credence to our submission as those from large organisations.

  1.  Many years ago when Robert Atkins was the Minister responsible he stated "light pollution was a matter of `education' rather than `legislation'."

  Education has manifestly not worked. The lives of people living close to all weather sport pitches in Penwortham, Longridge, Leyland and Fulwood are blighted by excessive light from floodlights used during the day, night and at weekends shining directly on to their property. This nuisance must be occurring throughout the country, but there is no legislation to deal with this nuisance.

  Even though they accept there is a serious light pollution problem our Local Authority Environmental Health Department and Chief Executive wash their hands of the matter stating, "they have no authority to act, as no legislation exists to take action". The college authorities are totally uninterested in the effect the lights have on their neighbours. So much for education and the educational establishments.

  2.  Are current planning guidelines strong enough to protect against light pollution? The answer is "no".

  There are none that can be used. Guidelines are not strong enough. Legislation has to be put in place. Legislation should be retrospective or short limited time factor included when any existing lighting has to meet any standards laid down.

  3.  Is light measurable in such a way as to make legally enforceable regulatory controls feasible?

  In noise nuisance cases in addition to noise readings, Environmental Health Officers in court give their subjective view after observing and listening to the noise nuisance and state, "that in their opinion the noise is a nuisance".

  This method could equally apply in light pollution cases.

(a)  Measurement of lux levels.

(b)  Checking of light masking or shielding to prevent spillage.

(c)  Does an Environmental Health Officer consider the lights a nuisance?

(d)  Basically "Would he/she like to live with the light pollution problem day after day, week after week, year after year?"

  As with noise problems it is important Environmental Health Officers has the citizens good health of mind and body when considering these environmental lighting blight.

  4.  Are further controls on the design of light necessary? Undoubtedly.

  No legislation exists. Legislation should also be put in place regarding the lux levels, height, direction, shielding and situation of any lights. They must not be allowed to shine directly on to housing. If legislation had been in place our neighbourhood would not have had to live with this problem over so many years.

  Astronomy. We agree there are real light pollution problems for those interested astronomy and wild life. The first and most important reason for the committee to take action is to relieve the suffering and blight on ordinary citizens. We are all surely entitled to live in an environment free from noise and light pollution.