Millennium Beacons, left to rot, should light up the Olympics, says Cllr Graham Longley (Southend Liberal Democrats)

Southend Liberal Democrats <info@southendlibdems.co.uk>

Millennium Beacons, left to rot, should light up the Olympics, says Cllr Graham Longley

October 12, 2009 10:00 PM

Millennium Beacon

Use Millennium Beacons to celebrate the opening of the 2012 Olympics agrees Cllr Graham Longley, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Southend Council. Beacons around the country, used to note the Millennium in 2000 have been left to rot and in many cases, have almost disappeared but should be restored and used again. The beacons which were used to celebrate the Millennium have been allowed to become overgrown whilst plaques and the like have rusted and become almost unreadable in many cases.

Cllr Longley has agreed to support Malcolm Knight of Fobbing Friends who has launched a campaign to restore the beacons to their glory and in doing so is suggesting local councils, council leaders and local and national politicians propose the use of the Beacons for the launch of the Olympics.

"If they are all lit on the evening of the opening of the Olympics it will be a marvellous tribute to the Games." says Malcolm.

Already national and local politicians are taking up the cause. Angela Smith MP of Basildon & East Thurrock is to raise the matter with the Olympics minister Tessa Jowell and the local leader of Thurrock Council and Southend politician, Cllr Graham Longley intends to encourage Southend council to participate with its own Beacon at Shoebury.

"This is a great idea and like all great ideas it is simple. Using the Beacons as a way of celebrating the opening of the 2012 Games will enable many more people to feel they are part of the greatest event in the World" said Cllr Longley. "I will be recommending that we be part of the idea and encourage the Council to take up the challenge.