A MALVERN astronomer campaigning for action against light pollution has welcomed a House of Commons report on the issue.

Dr Chris Baddiley, a technical advisor to the Campaign for Dark Skies, supplied evidence to the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee.

The committee's report, published on Monday, makes recommendations as to how light pollution can be controlled without reducing the amount of light needed for proper illumination of public areas.

The committee said professional UK astronomers now operated largely out of the country. The important role of amateur astronomers was recognised by the committee, as was their campaign to educate the authorities about light pollution.

Ideas include councils using a different type of streetlight that casts light solely on the area required rather than 'leaking' on to other areas. These have already been introduced on the M5, with great success.

The report also suggests there is a need for all councils to have an official lighting policy.

Dr Baddiley said: "Light pollution is a major problem and it's getting worse.

"A satellite recorded images of UK lighting in 1993 and in the year 2000 and if you compare the two, there's actually a 25 per cent increase in light pollution in those seven years.

"The sad situation is that most school kids cannot see the Milky Way, because it's becoming impossible to view."

The report will be sent to local authorities across the country and campaigners hope it will lead to legislation being introduced to regulate the use of outdoor lighting.

Dr Baddiley said: "The report is wonderful and makes lots of sensible recommendations, but change won't happen overnight.

"We regard the night sky as a region of scientific beauty and interest and feel it should be given the same level of priority as similar sites on ground level."