People advised not to travel into Lewes on bonfire night by emergency services
Ahead of the town’s biggest event in its annual calendar, emergency services, East Sussex County Council and transport companies have issued a joint statement advising people not to travel into Lewes on bonfire night.
They stated there’ll be no trains at Lewes and surrounding stations from 5pm on 5th November.
The warning has been issued on behalf of East Sussex County Council, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, East Sussex Highways, Southern Railway, Brighton & Hove Buses, Lewes District Council, South East Coast Ambulance Service, Sussex Police and St John Ambulance.
With Lewes Bonfire Night just days away, public bodies and Bonfire Societies are reminding members of the public not to travel to the event from outside the town.
Measures, including train changes, 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 5th November, until the start of service on Friday 6th 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.
“We ask people to support their local organised fireworks events instead of travelling to Lewes on the 5th November,” said Group Manager Paul Coppard from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. “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.”
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, officers on patrol, or call 999 in an emergency.”
There will be visible and substantial police presence throughout the event. Agencies are working closely with bonfire societies and event organisers to ensure a safe and secure celebration for all.
Everyone attending the event is asked to remain alert and report anything suspicious or unusual to a steward or police officer.
Because of the number of people, layout of the town, noise and smoke the event is not suitable for young children or dogs.
Roads
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 5th 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.
Information on road closures and parking restrictions along with FAQs are available at: www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/lewesbonfire
You can find out about local events which may be closer to your home and the Firework Code at: www.esfrs.org/choose-local-is-back-for-bonfire-season