REVELLERS travelling to a famous Bonfire Night event this weekend will be forced to change their plans ahead of a train station closure.
Those heading to the Sussex town of Rye on Saturday (November 14) for the bonfire celebrations will have to make alternative travel plans because the station will close at 3pm.
The decision has been taken to shut the station early to prevent ‘trouble-causing youths’ who in previous years have travelled in from other areas to make mischief.
Those coming in by train will need to arrive before 3pm, as services after that will run straight through Rye to the next station without stopping.
Southern Rail area manager Paul Wyborn explained: “As with previous years, Rye railway station will be closed for reasons of public safety, from 3pm on the day of the town bonfire celebrations.
“Community organisers and members of the local multi-agency Safety Advisory Group have helped us reach this decision.”
He added: “Trains will run through Rye without stopping until the normal start of service next day, Sunday 15 November, and online journey planners such as nationalrail.co.uk have been updated with this revised timetable.
“Please consider your alternatives if you’re planning to travel that day.”
James Foster, chair of Rye Bonfire Society, echoed his comments.
“We support Southern’s decision. The closure of Rye station limits the numbers coming from out of town and prevents an influx of youths who, in the past, have caused trouble,” he revealed.
“It has a noticeable positive impact on crowd behaviour, and this is clearly demonstrated by the reduction in police incidents.”
Other towns with proud bonfire traditions, like Lewes in East Sussex, have brought in similar measures to control crowd flow and reduce the risk of violence.
Lewes, which each year hosts a massive event for all of the local bonfire societies, closed its station from 5pm on Thursday, November 5.
Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor of Sussex Police added: “To ensure public safety, a decision has been made to close Rye Station during the bonfire event.
“Police officers will be working closely with partners to maintain order, prevent crime, and respond swiftly to any incidents.”
Rye’s bonfire celebrations will kick off with a pagaent procession starting out from Mason Road on the Tilling Green Estate at 7pm.
The procession route will go down Ferry Road to the Crown Inn then turn left into Cinque Ports Street.
It will then head down Tower Street, through Landgate Arch to Hilders Cliff, then into High Street down to The Mint, where it will turn right into Wish Ward.
The final part of the route is back on to Cinque Ports Street, down Tower Street, left down Landgate, right into Bedford Place and then on to the bonfire site, where ‘Rye Fawkes’ will light the fire at 8pm.
The grand finale will be the dazzling fireworks display starting at 8.15pm on the same site.
Those thinking of driving in to Rye on the day have been warned that all streets on the processional route will be closed to traffic from 5.30pm until around 10pm, and there is to be no parking on the route from 4pm.
Any vehicles parked on the route are likely to be removed by tow trucks, the organisers said.
And dogs should be left at home in case they are spooked by the loud bangs of firecrackers, drums and fireworks.
“This is a traditional custom, not a carnival or ordinary fireworks display, it can be loud and frightening, there will be fire and very loud bangs,” the organisers added.
“Keep children with you and do not push them to the front. If you are nervous, worried, or have a medical condition, we respectfully suggest you keep away.”