EVERYONE is awed by the natural beauty of the stars overhead - but it's a view that is rapidly disappearing around the globe.

Take Worcester as an example. According to experts,the city centre sky is now as well-lit at night as the sky over Birmingham - and at a time when only 11 per cent of the West Midlands still enjoys completely dark skies.

So what are we to make of a situation where half the population of Britain will never be able to see the Milky Way, our own galaxy, because electric light is blotting it out? Does it really matter?

Clearly, obliterating the countryside with ever-increasing acres of concrete generates anger and protests from those who question why our natural environment should by blighted by the march of so-called progress.

The same arguments apply to the night sky. Why should we be deprived of the natural phenomena that existed for our ancestors?

There are steps which can be taken to minimise pollution.

If illumination is needed to improve safety or security, use only as much light as the task needs.

Install only well-shielded and properly aimed outdoor lighting that remains within the property boundaries.

Use light only when and where it is needed for a specific task and, vitally, keep it from shining above the horizontal plane.

If we follow such guidelines, more of us should be able to see the glories of space.