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Members of Blackwood Town Council have defended the decision to cancel the town’s beach party after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The town council had faced criticism from some people on social media who said the event should have gone ahead as planned on Saturday, September 10.

Blackwood Town Council made the announcement on Thursday via social media, and later said the decision was “out of their hands” and that it was the choice of joint organisers Caerphilly County Borough Council.

John Hold, a councillor for Blackwood Town Council, said: “The reasoning was pretty straightforward. It was a matter of dignity.

“We as a town council were informed by Caerphilly County Borough Council that the party would not go ahead and that by cancelling Thursday, instead of Friday, would give people more time to rearrange plans.

“To hold a party two days after the monarch died would have brought more criticism so I believe it was the right decision.”

Caerphilly County Borough Council was asked by Caerphilly Observer if it had told Blackwood Town Council to call off the event.

A spokesperson said: “The event is jointly organised by us and the town council and we obviously followed the protocol, which advises event organisers to consider all events as to whether they are appropriate during a time of national mourning.

“We advised the town council accordingly.”

Caerphilly Observer spoke to a trader that was set to attend the event, Alexandre Hancox of Hancox Pies.

He said: “It was obviously disappointing but luckily it didn’t effect me too much as I cook fresh.

“Caerphilly Council Borough Council has said that it will refund me and other traders if the event isn’t rearranged. I just have to crack on.”

Cllr Kevin Etheridge said the focus will now be on Christmas events and added: “With the protocols in place there were no alternatives. It’s a shame but there’s no need for blame culture. Let us have some compassion and sympathy.”

Blackwood Town Council hope to rearrange the beach party for some time earlier in the summer next year.