Cliff top memorials at Beachy Head removed

The council says research had found memorials at the spot could influence people in a distressed state.

The authority said they were removed from the cliff to “help safeguard lives”.

A council spokesperson said this week the decision to remove memorials – including crosses with names on and flower vases – was made with input from the Samaritans, the Beachy Head chaplains, HM Coastguard, Sussex Police and public health officials, all involved in making the cliffs running along the Eastbourne coast, a safe place for people to visit.

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

“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.”

The removed memorials, around half a dozen, are being kept for up to one month in safe storage, says the council, so people can collect them.