A HISTORIC bonfire society has cancelled plans to take part in the world’s biggest bonfire night celebrations due to the coronavirus crisis.

Commercial Square is the second society to say it will not be taking part in any Lewes Bonfire event on November 5 this year.

The group’s announcement follows that of fellow bonfire stalwarts, the Cliffe Bonfire Society. Seven societies traditionally take part in the annual event.

A representative for Commercial Square said the decision had been taken for several reasons.

The Argus:

These included taking into account Government rules surrounding social distancing, avoiding “compromising the safety of our members or that of the public in any way because of our activities” and not taking the attention of emergency services away when “their resources may be needed or better employed elsewhere during the pandemic”.

He said Commercial Square had been told by Lewes District Council that the usual road closures put in place because of the event’s popularity would not be implemented this year.

The Commercial Square representative said: “Our absolute regret at having to cancel this year’s event is offset only by the confidence that we will return to the streets of Lewes in all our splendour when it is safe for all involved to do so.”

The Argus:

A spokesman for Lewes District Council said: "The decision by the Cliffe and Commercial Square bonfire societies is theirs alone.

"The multi-agency group that is tasked with ensuring public safety, of which Lewes District Council is part, is yet to make a final decision on this year’s bonfire.

"We did write to the Lewes Bonfire Council recently to confirm that we could not currently process their application for road closures."