What a difference an hour could make to Paignton

The

Lighter Later campaign – which wants to shift clocks forward by an hour all

year round - was launched on Monday.

Supporters

argue that such a move could boost tourism allowing people more time to pursue

sporting and leisure activities.

Torbay

could benefit to the tune of an extra 100 million pounds each year according to some experts. 

A

15,000 strong petition was handed to David Cameron on Monday calling for the

government to introduce a three-year trial of the proposal.

Torbay

MP Adrian Sanders backs the idea citing the “significant financial,

environmental, public health and quality of life benefits” of the move.  

Dr Elizabeth Garnsey of Cambridge University aided the campaign by stating the environmental benefits of "Double Summer Time".

 “The

carbon savings associated with this clock change are significant, equivalent to

the carbon footprint of the production of 1,800 plastic bags for every home in

Britain every year, or taking around 200,000 cars off the road.”

Tourism

minister John Penrose said the government “will consider very carefully” the

idea of a trial period.

Pushes

for such a move have been tried before. In the 1960s Scottish farmers scuppered

a pilot scheme of permanent British Summer Time because of dark mornings.

Concerns over road safety were also raised north of the border for children

walking to school in the dark.

What

do you think? Would you mind darker mornings if it meant light evenings? Do you

think tourism in Paignton would really be boosted? Let us know.