Service alterations for Lewes Bonfire 2018

[RichardKing]

This year, yes. With the event occurring on a Saturday, many people are able or willing to make the effort. Next year, the 5th will be on a Monday so you'd expect visitor numbers to be down, though the authorities will need to consider how to deal with commuters returning home. I daresay we'll be reconvening in 12 months or so when further outrage can be expressed.

Well, 12 months later and - as predicted - here we are again

GTR, on the advice of the emergency services, local authorities and transport operators, have decided to close Lewes, Falmer, Glynde, Southease and Cooksbridge stations after 5pm on Monday 5 November. Of course, being on a Monday, this will have quite a large effect on commuters travelling home from London; the last service to call at Lewes from London will be the 16:16, which is the first evening peak-time train towards Eastbourne.

They have given a month, or so, notice so most people should be able to make alternative plans. However, this isn't easy for everyone and I expect many will be caught unaware, despite all of the PR.

As well as the returning London commuters, students from Sussex Downs College (Lewes) and the University of Sussex (Falmer) may struggle to get home as well. I'm assuming many College/Uni courses finish after 5pm, so, unless there is an early shutdown (likely in the case of Sussex Downs), many students will be left stranded.