Light pollution from a major new racecourse is spoiling the night skies for miles around, according to environmentalists.
Green Party member James Abbott, district councillor for Bradwell, Silver End & Rivenhall, claimed the new floodlights at Great Leighs Racecourse were causing an “unacceptable intrusion” in the rural area at night.
And the North Essex Astronomical Society website said the light pollution was “extremely severe” even from many miles away, “ruining the night sky with the potential to seriously disturb nocturnal wildlife.”
Pippa Cuckson, director of communications at Great Leighs Race, said the track's 850 15-watt floodlights - designed by Musco Europe - were the “greenest” ones the firm provided.
She said over the past two weeks the lights had been tested, and from September 4 evening racing would kick off, taking place every Thursday and running until the beginning of April.
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