With
Lewes bonfire just around the corner, local agencies and emergency services are
again urging people outside the town to Stay Local rather than travelling to
the event.
Due to
serious concerns about dangerous over-crowding and public safety, parking
suspensions, road closures and changes to the train services have been put in
place by a multi-agency group. This means Lewes will not be accessible from
midday on Saturday 4 November until the next morning. Cars parked on the A27 or
in other restricted areas will be towed away. There are very few facilities with
shops and pubs closing early, and there are no organised facilities or shelters
on offer for people to safely wait until everything returns to normal.
Read more about the travel restrictions on trains and main roads
Read more about parking restrictions and town centre road closures
Find out about other events this weekend
Read more about parking restrictions and town centre road closures
Find out about other events this weekend
Lewes
Bonfire is run by the local Bonfire Societies, however due to the very large
crowds expected, it is necessary for other organisations to be involved in
planning to protect public safety. Last time trains ran unrestricted on a
Saturday it is estimated that 60,000 people were in the town – compared to its
usual population of 17,000. Most of them are trying to squeeze into a small
section of the town which puts huge pressure on these streets, which are steep
and narrow.
Superintendent Ed De La Rue
from Sussex Police said: “The multi-agency group wants people to enjoy their
bonfire celebrations and believes the best way to do this is to stay local. Lewes
bonfire is for the people of Lewes as the town cannot cope with a huge influx
of people. Difficult and pragmatic decisions have been made for the sake of
public safety. As a result, you will not be able to get in and out of Lewes on
4 November due to the travel restrictions and we are asking you don’t attempt
to come into the town that day.
“For those
residents of Lewes who are attending the celebrations, we will have armed
officers on duty in the town due to the current national terrorism threat
level, tragically underlined by the attacks in London and Manchester. We are
urging people to be alert not alarmed, these officers will be there to keep you
safe.”
Mark Matthews, Assistant
Director of Safer Communities at East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “We
know that Lewes can get very crowded and this raises problems with fire safety,
particularly with torches being carried and people setting off fireworks where
they shouldn’t. Working with other agencies, we make every effort to put
measures in place to keep people safe and we ask that members of the public act
responsibly by going to events in your own area instead of travelling into
Lewes.”
Regional Operations Manager for
Resilience Chris Stamp from South East Coast Ambulance added: “Government figures showing there
are around four and a half thousand people who go to Accident and Emergency
each year due to fireworks injuries and we treated around 81 people in Lewes
last year. The processions pass through
very crowded streets and raise the risk of injuries. Our advice is go to a
family friendly fireworks display closer to your home.”
In previous years there has
been a problem with 'rookies' – rook scarers - causing serious eye injuries and
we are keen to promote the use of eye protectors.
The multi-agency group includes
representatives from British Transport Police, East Sussex County Council, East
Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, East Sussex Highways, Southern Railway, Lewes
District Council, South East Coast Ambulance Service, and Sussex Police.
Be alert to hearing loss
Exposure to loud noise above
85 decibels over time can cause permanent hearing damage and some fireworks can
reach an uncomfortable 155 decibels in volume. Small children’s hearing is
particularly sensitive.
Action on Hearing Loss
recommends parents take the following easy steps to protect their ears:
- When attending the celebrations, keep a good distance from all sources of loud noise - such as fireworks or speaker systems.
- Limit the duration of exposure to loud noises, as the louder the noise the less time it takes to damage hearing permanently.
- Get your children to wear ear defenders.
Find out more at: https://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/