People urged not to travel to Lewes for Bonfire Night
Road closures and parking restrictions will also be in place on Thursday 5th November
People are being urged not to travel to Lewes for Bonfire Night, with trains set to skip the town and a series of roads closed.
Public bodies and bonfire societies are reminding people not to travel to the event on Thursday 5th November.
The message was 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.
They said road closures and parking restrictions will be in place to manage the number of people attending.
Emergency services, local authorities and transport operators have been planning for the celebrations for many months.
The release said there remain serious concerns about overcrowding in the narrow streets of Lewes.
It said dozens of injuries are reported every year, many on the procession routes and from bangers or other fireworks.
Trains
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.
People are warned that the last trains back from London Victoria to these stations will leave at 3.24pm and 3.54pm.
Roads and parking
People living in Lewes are advised to get their vehicles home before 4pm to avoid road closures.
Visitors are advised not to bring vehicles into the town.
The release said road closures will be legally enforced throughout the event.
Drivers and cyclists are asked to respect the restrictions and follow the diversion routes in place.
Parking restrictions will begin from 12 noon.
Road closures will begin from 4.45pm on Thursday 5th November at:
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
Safety advice
Paul Coppard, a group manager at East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We ask people to support their local organised fireworks events instead of travelling to Lewes on the 5th November. 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. Please stay safe, follow official advice and do not put yourself or others at unnecessary risk."
Chief Superintendent Graham Barnett of Sussex Police 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."
The release said there will be a visible and substantial police presence throughout the event.
Everyone attending is asked to stay alert and report anything suspicious or unusual to a steward or police officer.
The release said that because of the number of people, the layout of the town, and the noise and smoke, the event is not suitable for young children or dogs.