Fire and police chiefs have urged people to stay away from Lewes next Thursday (5 November) when the town celebrates Bonfire Night.
The event is the biggest and most popular Bonfire celebration and commemoration of the season but the emergency services, attracting visitors from far and wide.
In recent years, the emergency services have tried to keep the event as local as possible to keep people safe.
And today (Thursday 29 October), 999 bosses issued what has become an annual plea: “Please don’t travel to Lewes on Bonfire Night.”
They said: “With Lewes Bonfire Night just days away, public bodies and bonfire societies are reminding members of the public not to travel to the event.
“Measures, including road closures and parking restrictions, will be in place to help the event pass safely by managing the number of people attending.
“To further reduce the number attending, trains will not call at Lewes, Falmer, Cooksbridge, Glynde and Southease from 5pm on Thursday 5 November until the start of service on Friday 6 November.
“Commuters are warned the last trains back from London Victoria to these stations will leave at 3.24pm and 3.54pm.
“Emergency services, local authorities and transport operators have been planning for the celebrations for many months.
“There remain serious concerns about overcrowding in the narrow streets of Lewes. Every year, dozens of injuries are reported, many being on the procession routes and by bangers or other fireworks.”
Group Manager Paul Coppard, from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We ask people to support their local organised fireworks events instead of travelling to Lewes on the 5th of November.
“We have been working hard with the organisers and our partners to put plans in place to ensure we keep our community safe across East Sussex.
“We’d also like to remind everyone to follow bonfire safety advice and the Fireworks Code.
“Please stay safe, follow official advice and do not put yourself or others at unnecessary risk.”
Chief Superintendent Graham Barnett said: “Sussex Police officers will be working closely with event organisers, stewarding teams and our partners to ensure Lewes Bonfire Night is a safe and enjoyable occasion for everyone.
“Officers will be on patrol and any criminality and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Enforcement action will be taken against anyone who puts others at risk or ignores event restrictions, including those bringing their own fireworks. Our priority is to keep everyone safe and ensure the night runs smoothly.
“Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour or something that doesn’t seem right should report it to stewards or officers on patrol or call 999 in an emergency.”
A visible and substantial police presence is expected throughout the event and the emergency services plan to work closely with bonfire societies and event organisers to ensure a safe and secure celebration for all.
Emergency services chiefs said: “Everyone attending the event is asked to remain alert and report anything suspicious or unusual to a steward or police officer. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and report it.”
They added that the event was not suitable for young children or dogs because of the crowds, the layout of the town and the noise and smoke.
The emergency services also said: “In addition to the changes to rail services, Lewes residents are advised to get vehicles home before 4pm to avoid any road closures in place. Visitors are advised not to bring vehicles into the town.
“To help keep everyone safe, road closures will be legally enforced throughout the duration of the event.
“Drivers and cyclists are asked to respect these restrictions and follow the diversion routes in place. These measures have been introduced to support public safety and help the event run smoothly.”
Road closures from 4.45pm on Thursday 5 November
- A27 junction with A277 Brighton Road (Ashcombe Roundabout)
- A275 Offham Road with B2116 Plumpton Road
- C7 Kingston Road junction with C324 Wellgreen Lane
- A26 junction with A2029 Malling Street
- A26 Church Lane junction with Mayhew Way
- The Drove at the junction with Hamsey Lane to the A275
Parking restrictions will begin to be imposed from 12 noon. For more information, click here.
Passengers are encouraged to check online at southernrailway.com where train times have all been updated.
To find out about local events which may be closer to home – and the Firework Code – click here.
