Littlehampton bonfire almost set – but don’t dump rubbish yet

Last year's bonfire was stacked up high... but could not be lit on the night due to poor weather

The Littlehampton Bonfire Society has issued a reminder that on no account should any rubbish be deposited on the bonfire site, at the East Green car park, before Monday, October 20.

Richard Cooper, society secretary, said: “We have permission to commence building the fire on Monday, October 20. Anyone dumping rubbish on the site prior to this will be acting illegally, and will face prosecution.”

Mr Cooper is urging people to be careful what they do leave at the bonfire site, when building is allowed to start.

Only non-toxic, combustible items such as wood and garden waste may be deposited.

He said: “On no account may polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, aerosols, batteries, bottles, tins of paint, tyres or containers of any liquids be brought to the site. We must also stress that we cannot accept any beds, settees, armchairs or carpets at all.

“We hope the public will take note of what they can and can’t bring, as we will turn away any prohibited items, and they will have had a wasted trip.”

There society is unable to provide transport for items, so residents must find their own means of getting rubbish to the bonfire area.

Mr Cooper added: “A small minority of people unfortunately abuse this facility each year by trying to dump prohibited and non-combustible items, and we are urging them to act responsibly.”

Material may be brought to the fire between 9am and 5pm from October 20 until October 23

The society is also appealing for more people to come forward to help build the fire.

It would like to hear from any groups or individuals who would be willing to spare some time in the week preceding the event to help build the bonfire.

“The bonfire has been on the same site on The Green since the celebrations of the Victorian Littlehampton Bonfire Society in the 19th century,” Mr Cooper said. “It is one of Littlehampton’s traditions that it has a ‘mammoth bonfire’ each year - nowadays thought to be the biggest in Sussex, with some Sussex bonfire and carnival societies not having a fire at all.

“If we are to maintain this tradition we need people to come forward to help to build it.”

Those willing to lend a hand should email [email protected] or call Tyndall Jones at David O. Jones Sports, in High Street, or Richard Cooper on 01903 725149.

The bonfire will form the centrepiece of the society’s Bonfire Night spectacular on Saturday, October 25.

Times for the bonfire, firework display and processions are to be found in the Bonfire Night programmes, now on sale in shops in Littlehampton, Wick, Rustington and East Preston and at the Look & Sea Centre in Surrey Street, Littlehampton.