Those found guilty of causing light pollution may now be liable to court action.

People who persistently leave lamps on unnecessarily could face prosecution, as the DoE gets tough on what is being called light pollution.

DUP Environment Minister Arlene Foster has warned nuisance laws could be extended to include artificial lighting after lobbying by campaigners keen to preserve the view of the solar system at night.

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Planets and stars have become more obscure as the number of lights increases and towns expand, a researcher at Armagh Observatory has said.

Energy waste from unnecessary illumination is also a concern and in a written answer in the Assembly Ms Foster said: "Light pollution is one of a number of issues presently under consideration by my Department.

"It is part of our work to bring forward stronger and more effective legislation to improve local environmental quality.

"One option to help tackle the light pollution problem is to extend statutory nuisance laws to include artificial light.

"This would allow district councils and members of the public to take action for statutory nuisance from artificial light where appropriate. It is our intention to consult on specific proposals in due course," she said.

(BMcC)