Rye Bonfire: Train station closure for popular bonfire event

Rye Bonfire attracts large crowds to the town every year

Rye's train station will be closed for the day of the town's bonfire event next month.

Trains will not stop at the station from 15:00 GMT on Saturday 11 November, as Rye Bonfire is held.

Services will resume the following morning, Southern has said.

The train company said the closure is "for reasons of public safety" aimed at "preventing anti-social behaviour from youths travelling in and out of the town".

The station closure has the backing of the Rye Bonfire Society.

Jenny Saunders, from Southern, said: "Our train service cannot accommodate the number of people expected to visit the town.

"As well as long queues at neighbouring stations, there would be a very real risk that visitors would be stranded trying to get home because they would not be able to board the last train home.

"As with many other bonfire activities across the region, the advice is for people to attend their local events rather than travelling too far afield."

James Foster, from Rye Bonfire Society, said: "We are always keen to keep our event as safe, family friendly and enjoyable as possible."

The closure of Rye station will come a week after the closure of Lewes, Glynde, Southease, Falmer and Cooksbridge stations for Lewes Bonfire on 4 November.

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