Brighton Labour candidate backs beacon cancellation

A planned beacon lighting on Beacon Hill in Rottingdean was cancelled after complaints from concerned residents about skylarks that nest on the ground.

Robert Mcintosh, Labour candidate for the Rottingdean Coastal by-election, said that Jubilee celebrations should go ahead but in a matter that protects wildlife.

He said if he is elected, he will work with local groups and residents to protect nature reserves, as well as endangered and declining species.

Mr Mcintosh said: “As I’m sure many residents are, I’m looking forward to the Jubilee celebrations and lighting beacons are a great way of showing our appreciation for the Queen’s lengthy public service.

“However, I don’t see why we have to light said beacons in a nature reserve where nesting skylarks are liable to get trampled and killed. It is little wonder they are a species in decline.

“It may be called Beacon Hill, but it is also a nature reserve, and if that means anything at all I think we should light our beacons elsewhere and protect our wildlife.

“I support the decision to ensure no beacons are lit on the nature reserve as part of the Jubilee celebrations, unlike my Conservative counterpart, and If elected, working with residents on protecting our wildlife, our nature and our green spaces will be a key priority of mine.”

Labour candidate for the Rottingdean Coastal by-election, right, with Brighton Kemptown MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle

His comments come after Conservative candidate Lynda Hyde criticised the decision to cancel the beacon lighting.

Ms Hyde said: “I love the skylarks - I was brought up watching skylarks this time of year, but I like traditions.

“It’s called Beacon Hill for a reason, and it is the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee - you can’t help but wonder it’s because there are some people who don’t support the royalty.

“They’re entitled to that, of course, but it’s the traditions of the village and it should go ahead in my view.”

Campaigners called for the beacon lighting to be axed to protect skylarks on Beacon Hill

Mr Mcintosh also criticised comments by Ms Hyde, who described the ‘Partygate’ scandal as “left-wing propaganda rubbish” and said that it had not been an issue on the doorstep for voters.

He said: “Most people are frankly disgusted at the dishonesty of this government, and many voters who traditionally support the Conservatives are telling Labour canvassers that they won’t be voting for them.

“If Lynda Hyde has been on the doorstep herself, she would be experiencing this face-to-face.”

Voters go to the polls in the by-election, as well as for local elections in Adur, Crawley, Hastings and Worthing tomorrow.

Candidates running in the Rottingdean Coastal by-election candidate are; Libby Darling (Green), Lynda Hyde (Conservative), Robert Mcintosh (Labour), Stewart Stone (Liberal Democrats), Stephen White (independent) and Alison Wright (independent).