COUNCILLORS are being asked to praise The Argus for helping to find missing seafront lights as the company apologises for the incident.

A Notice of Motion is being handed to councillors today to thank this paper for tracking down the architecture after it was discovered for sale on Facebook.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s officers had concluded the advert was a fake. However, reporters proved this incorrect, providing the council with details to pick them back up before being lost to another bidder.

READ MORE: Pictures show seafront lights are safe, company claims

Yesterday, it was announced the company had apologised in a letter to council leader Phelim Mac Cafferty.

The Green leader had previously written to the contractor’s chief threatening to tear up the council’s £15 million contract with the company.

Colas chief executive Carl Fergusson wrote: “I am very sorry that you have had to bring this matter to my attention and am pleased they have subsequently been recovered.

“As discussed during our telephone conversation today, our investigation identifies that an uncharacteristic human error as well as process factors have played a part in this incident.

The Argus: The moment seafront lights were taken backThe moment seafront lights were taken back

“Moreover, our investigation has highlighted that Colas have on this occasion fallen below the standard of care we have consistently delivered to Brighton and Hove City Council to date, and which is rightfully expected by the council.

"We have well established procedures and processes governing how material removed from site should be treated. These procedures have not been followed in this instance, and we apologise for the distress and embarrassment this has caused the council.

“Whilst I can fully appreciate your displeasure with what has happened on this occasion, I do hope you will be able to measure this against the 15 years of previously unblemished service and successful schemes Colas has been privileged to provide to the city.”

At today’s Full Council meeting, Conservative councillors Robert Nemeth and Mary Mears are calling on the council to: “Express regret over recent incidents relating to the loss of historic lanterns from the Brighton seafront.

“Praise the actions of local investigative journalists for identifying said missing items. Call for an officer report to the Tourism, Equalities, Communities and Culture Committee to explore options for setting up an independent group with the aim of establishing a list of all heritage assets – including those in situ, in storage and undergoing repair elsewhere – for which the council has responsibility.”