THE decision to stop people going to Lewes Bonfire by closing railway stations has been condemned by an MP.

Brighton Kemptown’s Lloyd Russell-Moyle said he will be writing to the Government to complain and voice the concerns of residents about the “draconian” travel restrictions.

Mr Russell-Moyle, who grew up in Lewes, said the decision, along with other travel restrictions, was “undemocratic” and would cause problems for people who have to commute to work.

Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have both made announcements of more severe restrictions for this year’s Lewes Bonfire on November 4.

Trains will not call at Cooksbridge, Falmer, Glynde, Lewes, London Road and Moulsecoomb after midday on the day of the event, for which some 60,000 revellers are expected in the town.

In an email to the fire service, which is leading communications on the event’s planning, Mr Russell-Moyle said: “I will be writing to the Secretary of State to make official representations of complaint and I will endeavour to make sure that this doesn’t happen next year.

“It’s interesting to note that the bonfire has happened for almost 100 years with generally little incident and in many years extra trains were put on to help ferry people away from the town. People already there will be stuck and this could cause greater not less public disturbance.

“As a Sussex man, the right to attend the county celebration in my county town has been restricted in the most undemocratic way.

“The stations closed affect more of Brighton than they do of Lewes and those residents of mine who are not seeking to enjoy the county celebration in their county town are being restricted just going about their legitimate business or as you say ‘staying local’ because they will be restricted getting back home.

“It’s wholly inappropriate to deal with large crowds by just closing stations.”

Southern Rail tickets will be accepted on Brighton and Hove buses between Brighton, London Road, Moulsecoomb and Falmer.

There will be no alternative arrangements for Cooksbridge and Glynde after midday.

Mr Russell-Moyle also criticised the “arbitrary time of midday” to close the stations, suggesting a more “acceptable” time of 4.30pm.

This year’s event is on November 4 as the 5th is a Sunday.