The Town That Turned Off Its Lights

For one year, the small English town of Ashworth Vale has been doing something unusual: every night at midnight, almost all of its street lights are switched off. The decision was made by the town council last autumn, and the results have surprised almost everyone.

The idea was suggested by a group of local astronomers. They explained that the night sky above the town was being hidden by light pollution. "When I was a child, you could see the Milky Way from my garden," said Margaret Hale, 68, who started the group. "My grandchildren had never seen it. That made me very sad."

At first, many residents were worried. Some people were afraid that crime would increase, and older residents said they wouldn't feel safe walking home. To answer these concerns, lights were kept on near the train station, the hospital and the main crossroads. Small lamps that point down at the ground were also installed in some streets.

One year later, the numbers look good. According to the council, crime has not gone up, and around 40,000 pounds has been saved on electricity. Less energy is being used, so less carbon dioxide is produced. Local scientists say that bats, owls and moths, which are confused by artificial light, have returned to the parks.

But the biggest change is the visitors. Ashworth Vale is now known as one of the best places in the region for stargazing. Hotels are booked months in advance, and a small observatory was opened in the old library in the spring. Last month, more than 300 people came to watch a meteor shower from the football field.

Not everyone is happy. A few residents have complained that the town is too dark in winter. But most people seem proud. "We didn't lose anything," said Hale. "We got the stars back."