I AM worried that no one in Tavistock, a small rural town, has heard of light pollution.
More and more lights are being placed in Tavistock to dazzle us at night, and we have lost the late night turn-off on our quieter streets. Light pollution prevents us enjoying the night sky, which was once visible in certain areas, and has a worrying effect on wildlife.
I am particularly concerned with a possible project, put forward by Tavistock Forward, to light up the viaduct. This is a beautiful structure, but part of its appeal is the ability to walk under it at night and see it silhouetted in the moonlight, against a backdrop of glittering stars.
More importantly, spotlights will lead to the loss of a much loved friend to anyone who has walked up Bannawell Street at night — the owl that hoots its welcome. Owls have sensitive eyes and cannot take bright lights, such as the kind required for spotlights, so it will soon leave its haunts under the arches.
Owls are efficient hunters and are the natural predators of rats, so we would be wise to look after our little friend, particularly in an area of town that has a rat population that as yet has not become too much of a problem.
So please, let's see a push to return to late night switch-off in residential streets, and a promise that our owl will not be forced out of its perch in central Tavistock.
Tania Seldon
23 Bannawell Street
Tavistock