A HUSBAND is devastated after a council decided to remove a memorial to his wife at Beachy Head.

Keith Lane, whose wife Maggie took her own life in 2004, said Eastbourne Borough Council was “insensitive” for not asking for his agreement.

The council argued research has suggested memorials at the site can prompt vulnerable people to take their own lives.

It also consulted with the Beachy Head chaplains, Coastguard, Sussex Police and the Samaritans in its decision to remove the memorials.

The 68-year-old from Eastbourne told the BBC: “I was devastated. Although it’s time for me to move on, it’s my decision when I want to remove it.

“If they’d had the decency and compassion to have contacted me I would have removed it myself.

“It would be nice to get an apology. I think the insensitivity of it all leaves a lot to be desired.”

The council produced a pamphlet, Personal Memorials in the Beachy Head area, which read: “The images of the Beachy Head memorials on the internet and other media sources, however well intentioned, can reinforce and perpetuate the idea of the site as a place to take one’s own life.

“The memorials themselves also attract attention. There have been many cases of visitors to the area putting themselves in danger on the precarious cliff edge locations in order to view them.

“Research has also shown that knowledge of a site that many people have chosen as a place to end their life can lead to further incidents at the same location.

“The effect may not be immediate but can be a recollection, triggered years later, when the memory of a memorial could prompt individuals to return at a time when they desperately need help and support.

“Based on the research and in agreement with all of the agencies and organisations working in the Beachy Head area, the council has decided to remove all personal memorials, floral tributes and other memorabilia from the area.”

After Mrs Lane’s death, Mr Lane patrolled the cliffs from 2004 to 2007 to save vulnerable people. He received a Royal Humane Society award for his daring rescues which had prevented 29 people from taking their own lives at the notorious cliffs.

He had even climbed down 15ft over the edge to rescue a woman who had slipped after changing her mind about taking her own life.

Mr Lane discontinued his patrols due to health and safety complaints. He also published a book, Life On The Edge, which recounts his despair after his wife’s death and how he found a sense of purpose in saving people.