A CONSERVATIVE by-election candidate has slammed the decision to cancel a beacon lighting to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Plans to light a beacon on Beacon Hill in Rottingdean were cancelled just weeks before the celebrations after the Royal British Legion received complaints and negative responses.

However, Lynda Hyde, the Tory candidate for the Rottingdean Coastal, said that newer residents moving into the area risk eroding traditions in the area, such as the lighting of the beacon.

She said: “There has been a little bit of new people coming in and wanting to keep Beacon Hill how they want it, and a bit of disregard for the original villagers.”Ms Hyde said that complaints had been raised about the event’s possible impact on skylarks in the area.

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

“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.”

Ms Hyde criticised the decision to cancel the event for “only listening to those who complained” and not other residents who backed the lighting.

A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: “We understand that the Royal British Legion has decided not to proceed with its Rottingdean Jubilee Beacon event this year after taking on board views expressed by local residents.

“However, the historic beacon on Hove seafront will be lit on June 2. This will begin a weekend of celebrations in the city to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

“These include a ‘bring your own picnic' event on June 4 in the Royal Pavilion Garden organised jointly by the council and Brighton Fringe. The entertainment will include children’s workshops, story-telling and music.”

Despite the cancellation of the event at Beacon Hill, Ms Hyde said that there are some rumours in the area that the beacon lighting may go still go ahead in an unofficial capacity.

“I don’t think it matters who does it, really,” she said.

Six candidates are contesting the Rottingdean Coastal by-election on May 5, including Ms Hyde.

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