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Beacons in Tankerton and Herne Bay will not be lit in Battle's Over Remembrance tribute due to safety concerns

Beacons in Tankerton and Herne Bay will not be lit this Remembrance Sunday over concerns for safety.

At 7pm on Sunday, 1,000 beacons across the country will be lit as part of the national Battle's Over tribute, marking 100 years since the end of the First World War.

A beacon at Tannery Field in Canterbury will be among those lit as part of the event, which aims to "symbolise an end to the darkness of war and a return to the light of peace".

Tankerton Slopes beacon. Picture: David Hayward
Tankerton Slopes beacon. Picture: David Hayward

But after a close shave when the Tankerton beacon was lit last time - when embers nearly landed on the crowd and almost set a nearby house alight - Canterbury City Council has announced fixtures in Tankerton and Herne Bay will not be lit.

Council spokesman Rob Davies said: "These beacons are different to the one at Tannery Field because they cannot be gas fired. Instead they would have to be lit using the more traditional method of wood and fuel.

"The last time we attempted this at Tankerton, there was an unexpected change of wind direction during the event. Embers very nearly landed on the crowd and almost set fire to a nearby house, requiring the fire brigade to monitor the situation.

"Reluctantly, therefore, we have decided not to light these beacons on safety grounds, and we hope residents will understand. We would also strongly urge anyone who is thinking of lighting them to not do so.

"The Canterbury event will be one for the whole district to take part in and it would be great to see people from the coastal towns there if possible.

"All are welcome to attend and pay their respects to those who lost their life in the First World War and subsequent conflicts."

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