A BEACON lighting to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee will now go ahead after a "last-minute U-turn" by a parish council.

Plans to light the Rottingdean Beacon had been cancelled following objections from some residents amid concerns about the possible impact of the event on skylarks in the area.

However, a poster circulated on social media purporting to be from Rottingdean Parish Council reveals that the beacon lighting will now take place this evening, with measures in place to ensure the safety of visitors and of the skylark population on Beacon Hill.

The Argus:

Lynda Hyde, who served as a Brighton and Hove City Councillor for 20 years and had campaigned against plans to cancel the lighting, welcomed the news and said: “I think there has been a lot of negotiations between the various interested parties and I think those people and organisations who didn’t want it to go ahead have listened to the will of the villagers and the tradition is going to continue.

“All parties have seen common sense for the benefit of the village - and I’m over the moon.

“I’ve been to a number of lightings of the beacon and they are fabulous as they bring all of the community together, and I hope those who were against it come up to the beacon and we can have a reconciliation for the benefit of the village.”

The Argus: Lynda Hyde, pictured at Beacon Hill, said she's "over the moon" by the council's U-turnLynda Hyde, pictured at Beacon Hill, said she's "over the moon" by the council's U-turn

The news comes as residents across the city prepare to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, with a range of street parties, picnics, and other community events planned over the four-day bank holiday weekend.

Lynda expressed some disappointment that the council have not put up Union Flag bunting around the city to mark the occasion.

She said: “It’s a typical left-wing council - there’s been nothing from them. They’re all Republicans.”

Despite her sadness at the lack of bunting, she said that the jubilee is a chance for the community to come together and celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime event.

She said: “The Queen hasn’t put a foot wrong over her 70-year reign.

"She is great for Great Britain and we’re very lucky to still have her - I can’t believe she is still plodding on at 96 and keeping her majestic air.”