Police say decision to cancel trains for Lewes bonfire not taken lightly

Sussex Police have backed plans that would prevent people travelling to Lewes by train for the bonfire celebrations. They claim the move is necessary for public safety.

The force has once again urged people not to attend the annual event.

Speaking on behalf of a multi-agency group, Superintendent Ed De La Rue from Sussex Police said: “In previous years we have seen very large numbers attend the event in Lewes.

“The town centre cannot safely cope with such an influx of people and trains and stations can become dangerously over-crowded.

“Last year around 81 people needed treatment by the ambulance service.

“We know this may cause inconvenience to those in the local area…but public safety has to be the top priority.”

The multi-agency group, which includes experts from the emergency services, say it is for the sake of public safety that they have requested restricted travel arrangements which include road closures as well as changes to train services.

Trains will not call at Cooksbridge, Glynde, Lewes, Falmer, Moulsecoomb and London Road after midday on the day of the event – Saturday 4 November – for which some 60,000 spectators are expected to attend the annual event in Lewes.

Parking restrictions begin at the same time and road closures into Lewes start from 4.30pm.

The statement from Sussex Police follows comments made by Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP who has condemned the cull.

Speaking last week Mr Russell-Moyle, who grew up in Lewes, said he would be writing to the Government to complain and voice the concerns of residents about the “draconian” travel restrictions.

He added that the travel restrictions were “undemocratic” and would cause problems for those people that have to commute to work.”

In an email to the fire service the MP for Brighton Kemptown said he would be writing to the  Secretary of State to make an “official representation of complaint” and “will endeavour to make sure that this doesn’t happen next year.”

He added that it was “interesting to note” that the annual Lewes bonfire event had been taking place for almost a century with generally little incident and in previous years extra trains were often put on.

By Clare Calder