Train services to change in bid to stop people travelling to Lewes on bonfire night

Train services are being changed for November 5, amid concerns people will try to travel to Lewes despite the usual bonfire night celebrations being cancelled.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Emergency services and local authorities are urging people to rule out visiting Lewes and exposing the local community to an increased risk of Covid-19.

A statement issued on behalf of the multi-agency group said: “Please avoid coming to Lewes. No permission has been given for public firework displays or bonfires and no road closures are being implemented to allow for the usual processions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Despite this, there is a real risk that visitors will still come to the town, causing potentially dangerous over-crowding and additional public health issues due to Covid-19.

Lewes railway station. Picture: Peter CrippsLewes railway station. Picture: Peter Cripps
Lewes railway station. Picture: Peter Cripps

“The travel restrictions have been agreed by the multi-agency group, which includes emergency services and local authorities, to help reduce the risks of a serious incident or Covid-19 outbreak.”

There will be no trains calling at Lewes, Glynde, Cooksbridge and Southease after 5pm on November 5, the multi-agency group confirmed.

Online train journey planners such as National Rail Enquiries are being updated to reflect this change, the group added.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Trains will begin to call at the above stations from the start of service on the morning of November 6, as normal.

Lewes Bonfire celebrations have been cancelled amid Covid-19. Photo by Jon RigbyLewes Bonfire celebrations have been cancelled amid Covid-19. Photo by Jon Rigby
Lewes Bonfire celebrations have been cancelled amid Covid-19. Photo by Jon Rigby

Speaking on behalf of the group, Chief Superintendent Lisa Bell from Sussex Police said: “The message is clear – Lewes is not the place to visit to celebrate Bonfire Night. Unfortunately, we have evidence that people are still planning to come to and stay in the town despite celebrations being cancelled.

“When you take into account that up to 1,000 people can arrive at the same time on a train, the multi-agency group decided it was right to request a change in services. We believe this will help protect the local communities from Covid-19 and help maintain social distancing on trains by deterring anyone who is still thinking of visiting.

“While many people will now be working from home, we know that this will still impact some commuters.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We hope they will understand the importance of trying to stop large numbers of people making this journey during the pandemic.”

Lewes Bonfire celebrations are part of a long-running tradition and have developed over many years. However, due to Covid-19 guidance and legislation, the societies have had to cancel this year’s events.

Each bonfire society usually processes through the town to their chosen sites for firework displays, however as they will not be able to celebrate in the usual way, they have chosen to mark the event with private acts of remembrance.

In a normal year, public safety during the event is the primary concern for emergency services, local authorities and other partners who make up the multi-agency group.