People have voiced their frustrations against Worthing Borough Council as the twon’s beacon was not lit to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings in the Second World War.
To mark the anniversary, a national beacon-lighting campaign was taken up by towns across the country, including places in Sussex such as Shoreham, Hove and Littlehampton.
However, Worthing’s beacon, which was installed on the seafront promenade in 1999 and is owned by the council, remained unlit.
In posts on social media, people said that D-Day veterans “deserved better”, whilst Worthing and Adur’s town crier, Bob Smytheran, had hoped the council would change their mind before the anniversary.
A councillor also hit out at the decision.
READ MORE: Second World War pillboxes have been vandalised
Sean McDonald, councillor for Northbrook, told the Argus: “We were disgusted that the beacon was not lit and believed that this showed disrespect to the veterans from Worthing.
“Our town was full of soldiers in 1944, many of whom came from Canada and we also have a Canadian war memorial.
“These brave young men left Worthing on June 6 and many did not return.”
Cllr McDonald added that he challenged the council on the decision and was told it was too expensive.
A spokesman for Worthing Borough Council said: “There were a range of remembrance events taking place across Adur and Worthing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day this year and, as with previous years, we were mindful to mark this significant period of history.
“Worthing Borough Council organised a coordinated bell-ringing event with local churches to take place on Thursday.
“At 6.30pm bells rang out at the town hall as well as at St Andrew’s in Tarring, St Botolph’s in Heene, St Mary’s in Broadwater, St Mary’s in Goring and All Saints in Findon Valley.
“We took the decision not to light the beacon because we believed we could reach more people through the bell-ringing in a more sustainable way.”
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