Rother responds to criticism over Queen's birthday

Beacons were lit across the UK last Thursday (April 21), with many of these organised by local councils.

Shining Lights, the community group behind Bexhill’s new look Christmas lights, organised a beacon lighting on Galley Hill in just a couple of hours after learning Rother had not organised any celebrations.

The beacon lighting, which was followed by a firework display, was hailed a success, but some criticised Rother for not organising anything to mark the historic occasion.

A spokesperson for Rother District Council said: “Earlier this year we launched an extension to our Community Grants Scheme to provide funding of up to £500 each for local groups and organisations to put on events and activities to celebrate the Queen’s official birthday in June this year.

“A number of organisations throughout Rother have made applications for a grant and these will be decided by the council’s Cabinet on May 9.

“In addition the council supported a community led ‘clean for the Queen’ in mid-March this year.”

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