Light Pollution on Putney Common

Residents concerned night lights are over the top and harming nature

photo: ©Mike Ixer

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Putney's newest school is causing new waves amongst locals who are campaigning for a reduction in night lighting as they are concerned for local nocturnal wildlife on Putney Common. Tweeted yesterday (27 February) the issue was shared by AlisonC.

Local resident and campaigner Mary-Claire Mason told this website: "Seventeen harsh white security lights strung out along the long back of the new Putney Oasis primary School on its ground floor glare as I stepped yesterday evening 6pm onto the main part of Putney Common.

Lighting up the way to the school photo: ©Mike Ixer

Mary-Claire continued: "Turning off onto it at night used to be a way of switching off, stepping into the peace and dark of the Common which I’ve done for 30 years plus. Not so now. Since early January the lights come on like clockwork and stay on. In my view this is causing a huge amount of night-time pollution and adversely affecting wildlife which include bats and hedgehogs on the Common."

Footpath parallel to the drive photo: ©Mike Ixer

Mary-Claire has contacted the school, " I showed Diana Morgan Executive Principal what the problem was back in early January She could see no reason for the lights, said she’d investigate and get back to me. Mid January I understood the lights would be switched off because there was absolutely no need for them. My heart leapt with joy. March approaches and I’m still waiting – concerns about some other lighting issues are being addressed but the security lights continue to come on – apparently the problem is with the contractors Durkan. Meanwhile the lights burn for no reason and darkness suffers as does the wildlife".

When contacted by this website, a spokesperson for Oasis Academy acknowledged that the Academy are aware of the concerns and are working to correct them: “We are working closely with Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators and the constructors of our Academy, Durkan, to swiftly resolve this issue.”

Simon Lee, Chief Executive of WPCC also confirmed that this issue is being raised: "We are aware of the concerns locally about lighting around the school and are currently liaising with the Head Teacher of OASIS Academy and representatives of Durkans the developers regarding this issue".

Durkan and local MP Justine Greening have been asked to comment but as yet we have not had a response.