A BY-ELECTION candidate has demanded urgent confirmation that plans to light a coastal beacon will go ahead to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

Lynda Hyde, the Conservative candidate for next week’s Rottingdean Coastal by-election, said she has been contacted by residents who are concerned that Rottingdean Parish Council is still undecided on whether to light the Jubilee Beacon on Beacon Hill.

Ms Hyde said residents asked questions at a council meeting but have not received a response several weeks later.

She said: “It is very concerning that just a few weeks out from the Jubilee bank holiday weekend there is still no confirmation as to whether the Rottingdean Parish Council is going to support a traditional beacon lighting at Beacon Hill.

“This beacon has been lit at every Jubilee for as long as residents can remember. It was first used as an early warning system for the Spanish Armada and has great historical significance.

“Residents have always enjoyed coming together for the beacon lighting in Rottingdean and would like to see confirmation soon that the Parish Council will support this going ahead on June 2.”

​Beacons will be lit across the country to mark the Queen’s 70 years as monarch on the first day of the four-day bank holiday in June.

Brighton and Hove traditionally light three beacons across the city with one at Hove Esplanade and another at Norfolk Groyne along with the Rottingdean beacon.

Rottingdean Parish Council has been approached for comment.

Alan Robins, Mayor of Brighton and Hove, paid tribute to the Queen for her 70 years of public service.

He said: “Over the course of her reign, she has been a constant and positive role model for our country and has won recognition and respect from people all over the world.

“The dignity she has shown throughout her years as our head of state has been exemplary and I offer our sincere thanks and respect to her for this.

“It has been a particularly difficult time for so many people since covid struck as we have all learned to live a different sort of life.

“The Platinum Jubilee year offers an occasion for communities to come together and celebrate in hope and in reflection.”

Ms Hyde is one of six candidates running for election in the Rottingdean Coastal by-election on May 5.

The other candidates are; Libby Darling (Green), Robert Mcintosh (Labour), Stewart Stone (Liberal Democrats), Stephen White (independent) and Alison Wright (independent).