IT is feared that street lights installed at Cwmdu, Powys by the Welsh Government could pose a threat to the Brecon Beacons National Park’s dark skies status.

In 2013 the Brecon Beacons National Park became only the fifth destination in the world to be granted the prestigious Dark Sky Reserve Status, resulting in a surge of visitors to the spectacular beauty spot.

Monmouth AM?Nick Ramsay, who championed the campaign for a reduction in light pollution and inspired the bid to create the Brecon Beacons International Dark Sky Reserve, has said he is now concerned that the LED street lights recently installed by the Welsh Government in Cwmdu could have an adverse effect on the environment and were not ideal for dark sky preservation.

Commenting on the issue, he said, “I was delighted when the Brecon Beacons National Park became Wales’ first destination to be granted dark sky status so news that the older street lights had been replaced by LED units is worrying as the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) say these are not consistent with the ideals of dark sky preservation.

“Because the lights are on a trunk road, the Welsh Government does not need permission from the national park authority.

“I understand that the IDA are hoping to work with the government to find a way to mitigate any adverse impact from the new lights and that the government has indicated that consideration is being given to dimming the lights in the Cwmdu campsite area.

“I will be urging the government to work with the IDA to ensure measures are taken to preserve this magical dark sky reserve. So many people worked incredibly hard to gain an internationally recognised designation for the Brecon Beacons National Park, it would be unthinkable if this were to be put in jeopardy.”

A spokesman for the not for profit IDA, said this week that he was worried about the implications of the development and added that while there are no immediate plans to take away the status the situation would be monitored closely.

"The information I have available to me suggests that the type of roadway lights installed and operated in Cwmdu are not consistent with the notion of Brecon Beacons as having an ’exceptional commitment to, and success in implementing, the ideals of dark sky preservation’," said the organisation’s spokesman.

The pollution created by the new lights at Cwmdu has also attracted criticism from the organisers of an astronomy event run regularly near the village.

Organised by atronomer Ralph Wilkins, the AstroCamp event has been held twice a year for the past ten years and attracts almost 150 people keen to enjoy the undimmed view of the stars.

The most recent event took place last weekend and highlighted the effect of the new lights.

“We have been very disappointed that the Welsh Government have installed these intense lights in a Dark Sky National Park without consulting the park or the organised starparty that comes here twice a year.

“We would have been happy to help them reach compromise solutions such as red LEDs or lower power and shrouding. As it now stands, the Brecon Beacons is no longer a dark sky site and the International Dark Sky Association is now sadly considering withdrawing the park’s International Dark Sky Reserve status,”?said Mr Wilkins.

“We have had enormous support from the local councillor, Kathryn Silk, and the people of Cwmdu who are helping us petition the Welsh Government.

“Our complaint and suggested solutions have gone through to Ken Skates AM, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, via Kirsty Williams AM but unless there is action, we are unlikely to bring AstroCamp back to Cwmdu and the Brecon Beacons,”?he added.