An application by the end of the month and an award by the end of the year – the hope of the Isle of Wight campaigners behind a bid for dark skies accreditation.
A formal application should be submitted to the International Dark Skies Association, in Texas, by June and the Island could become one of just four areas in England to win the title.
Cllr Jonathan Bacon, Isle of Wight council’s cabinet member for climate change and environment, said the next stage is to get letters of support from Vectis Astronomical Society and town and parish councils.
Aspirations for dark skies park
After more than six years, an area encompassing Freshwater, Chale and the edge of Newport could soon be in a newly created dark skies park.
It has been hailed as a potential major boost to the Island’s tourist industry.
A previous application was rejected. with street lights among pollution concerns. Replacements were agreed in 2022.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: © Visit Isle of Wight
