THE council is looking for a resident to review entries for a seafront beacon.

The Hove Lagoon Beacon was installed and lit for the first time in 1988 to mark the 400th anniversary of the battle against the Spanish Armada.

Back then, beacons formed part of a national network used to alert the public.
A number of entries have now been submitted for the lighting's return and Brighton and Hove City Council is looking for a resident to review them.

The main aim of the brief is to relight the beacon using a “low maintenance lighting scheme” and to help build on the distinctive beauty of this part of the seafront.

The lighting will help to ensure the area is well used in the evening creates an ambience that’s “in keeping with the surrounding area”.

The call for residents opens on Monday and the deadline for applying is October 11, when the shortlisting will take place.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and will be given the sum of £300 to develop their ideas for presentation at interview.

Wish Ward city councillors Robert Nemeth and Garry Peltzer Dunn led the campaign to bring the beacon back to life in time for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

This time, instead of wood, the beacon would be lit with an LED. The necessary £15,000 funding for the LED has already been approved.

Councillor Robert Nemeth said: “We’ve been publicly pushing for the rejuvenation of the beacon for some years now so are obviously very happy indeed that our plan is taking large steps on its way to fruition.

“Our proposal is for it to be lit in time for next year’s Jubilee so speed is now of the essence. It’s quite right that the community is heavily involved so we urge residents to step forward.”

Councillor Peltzer Dunn previously said civic events were important to residents and Brighton and Hove must not neglect participating in the Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

“By failing to participate in the last beacon lighting event, the council denied our city and its residents the opportunity of a memorable civic occasion and this upset many organisations in the city,” he said.

“Many residents fondly remember the Hove Beacon lighting event in 1988 – it was an event attended by the mayor complete with cannon salutes and a marching band.

“There needs to be more focus in this city on civic events that encourage pride in our wonderful heritage and history and bring people together.

“It would be a wonderful occasion and an environmentally friendly one as well which would allow our city to lead to way into the future – I am sure this would be appreciated by all residents.”