A BUS boss has said tonight’s Lewes Bonfire could be “total chaos” after his company was banned from dropping off passengers at the event.

The Big Lemon bus company was told by police it cannot drive beyond extended roadblocks off of the A27 despite one of its competitors, Brighton and Hove Buses, being allowed to proceed to one of its scheduled stops within the safety zone.

This, combined with no designated drop-off points, means coaches carrying groups of revellers may have to deposit them at the side of the bypass to walk a mile and a half into the throng of the event.

Tom Druitt, managing director of The Big Lemon, which won Business Of The Year at the recent Brighton and Hove Business Awards, told The Argus: “This decision does not make any logical sense. They are basically setting the scene for total chaos.

“They are basically telling people not to come. It’s a shame. Do they not want people to go altogether?”

Brighton and Hove Buses is running its number 28 service as well as dedicated shuttles to and from Lewes. A slight detour sees its buses go along the A27 and through the Cuilfail Tunnel before dropping off passengers at Malling Hill on the A26.

The situation is compounded by train strikes which mean there will be no rail services in or out of Lewes.

We reported yesterday how the road closures were part of heightened security by police, with armed officers at the event for the first time over terrorism fears.

Chief Superintendent Neil Honnor said: “We are aware of the inconvenience of closing the road and the difficulty this may cause. We haven’t made this decision lightly, however the closure is in light of the current national security threat.

“Brighton and Hove Buses and Compass Buses are the only companies being allowed access along the A26 as they have scheduled routes that service not only Lewes but the wider community outside the town.”

Meanwhile, Lewes locals have welcomed the measures. Several residents told The Argus it was better for the town to have fewer people, especially as the event is on a Saturday.

Chelsea Renton, who lives in Lewes, said: “It used to be so packed with people that you couldn’t see what was going on. I think the bonfires societies and council have a reason to limit the number of people coming in. It’s nice to know we won’t be overwhelmed. It’s a Lewes event.”

A pub worker, who did not want to be named, added: “They are trying to avoid people even wanting to come.”