A historic Easter cross was taken down because of health and safety fears.

It is the first time in 50 years the cross did not stand on the Downs above Lewes over the Easter period after a misunderstanding between Lewes District Council and St Pancras Roman Catholic Church.

Nearly 200 people took part in the silent walk of witness through the town before planting the 20ft cross in a hole on top of the Mount and then taking it back down again.

Rev Steve Daughtery, of Southover Church, said that the church had been told by council bosses that the hole was a health and safety issue and must not be left unattended, meaning that someone would have to guard the cross for days.

Rev Daughtery, who said many people had been disappointed, added that he hoped the council could help work out “a creative solution”.

But a spokesman for the district council said their stipulations meant the empty hole could not be left unguarded or uncovered.

He explained: “We were happy for the site to be used and informed organisers in advance of a change regarding the erection of the cross at the Mount.

“This asked if a hole was dug to locate the cross, it was not left unattended when empty and filled in once the cross was removed.”