Friction over TV link

FRICTION surfaced this week over a decision by Sussex Police to allow a Meridian film crew to follow the work of officers in Lewes on the Fifth.

FRICTION surfaced this week over a decision by Sussex Police to allow a Meridian film crew to follow the work of officers in Lewes on the Fifth.

The secretary of Lewes Bonfire Council, Keith Austin, said the decision to co-operate was a 'breach of trust' after years of police requests to bonfire societies to keep publicity to a minimum.

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Ironically, police have this week issued their customary annual plea for 'outsiders' to stay away from the celebrations in a bid to keep the crowds down.

Mr Austin said that any exposure from television cameras would help attract increased numbers of people into the town and on to already crowded Lewes streets, and he feared that TV crews would exaggerate any dramatic incidents out of proportion.

He said: 'We have asked Sussex Police not to invite Meridian Television but they haven't really taken much notice. They want Meridian to be there.

'When we first joined this safety group (an inter-agency panel consisting of the police, ambulance service and fire brigade, plus Lewes District Council and East Sussex County Council) it would not invite any publicity whatsoever. We have more or less stuck to that. We've kept our side of the bargain but Sussex Police don't really want to keep their side of the bargain.

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'Publicity attracts more and more people into town. Sussex Police themselves have asked us not to do much publicity; they wanted to keep the crowds down so they could be managed more efficiently.

Unhappy

'We've worked hard with the police to take the conflict out of bonfire but the bonfire societies will feel this is not going to be very good relationship-wise. We are very unhappy.

'The media don't want to report all the lovely things that happen they want the meat.

'We've lived with worse things but we don't think it's right. It's a breach of trust.'

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Sussex Police Chief Superintendent Paul Pearce said: 'Sussex Police was approached by Meridian TV to film the police operation behind Lewes Bonfire. The programme makers have stressed the documentary will focus on how the police help to make the event as safe as possible.

'The media can and do film events held in public places without needing to notify anyone in advance. Meridian TV have, however, taken the responsible approach by contacting us outlining their filming intentions which will focus solely on the policing of Lewes Bonfire.

'We consistently listen to the views of Mr Austin and the bonfire societies. Following their concerns, I personally sent a letter to all societies reassuring them of our position.

'Lewes Bonfire is one of the biggest events in the calender of Sussex Police and I am proud of the dedication, professionalism and commitment shown by all police personnel who play a part in making it a safe event. I believe Meridian TV's documentary represents an opportunity for us to show the hard work of all our staff at a large scale event.'

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