TOWN councillors have decided that Cockermouth will not take part in a Dark Skies Project.

The Cumbria Dark Skies Project, which celebrates dark skies and highlights the impact of light pollution, is running a Lighting Audit and Action Plan (LAAP) and asked the council if it would like to be the small town pilot.

Councillors heard about the project at an online meeting last month.

The three main aims of it are: to celebrate and raise awareness of the value of dark skies and impacts of light pollution; prevent more light pollution; and reduce existing levels of light pollution.

The LAAP would provide a baseline assessment of external lighting, identifying the main contributors to pollution and priority actions to mitigate the effects of obtrusive light.

At a recent online meeting, councillors decided against signing up to the project, which would have cost them £5,000 to be part of.

"After listening to the presentation I do not see any benefit personally for the money we would spend," said Councillor David Malloy. "I'm against backing it."

"It seems more suitable for a larger, built up area, we do not seem to be affected by light pollution," said Councillor Grace Bennion.

Councillor Andrew Semple said: "This initiative is very good but I cannot understand why they have chosen Cockermouth.

"I do not see that town people would get the benefits considering how much money we would contribute."

Councillor Alan Tyson added: "Much as I love the idea of dark skies around Cockermouth it's not the right place and not worth £5,000."