I WOULD like to join with all the well wishers in congratulating Warrington Wolves following the good news that the new stadium is finally going to be built. And being so close to where I live, I shall have to buy a season ticket!

But as the local officer for the British Astronomical Association, Campaign for Dark Skies (BAA CfDS), may I just add a bit of advice to the lighting engineers, planners and town councillors concerning the stadium floodlighting. Which will not only prevent light pollution from damaging the night time environment, but will save the club a lot of money in energy bills.

This can be achieved by ensuring that ALL the light from the floodlights lands on the pitch where it is needed.

So I trust that you will be following the Institute of Lighting Engineers (ILE) Guidelines. By doing so the floodlights will be properly shielded and directed, resulting in fewer power hungry floodlights to achieve the optimum amount of pitch illumination. This way everybody wins: The club saves money, residents retain a better quality of life being saved from discomforting glare and the night sky is saved from an unnecessary increase in skyglow, two of the most damaging forms of light pollution.

IAN S PHELPS

Longford Street

Campaign for Dark Skies