On 4 Nov 2016 at 7:41am Tim wrote:
So the extended shutdown of Lewes is nothing to do with a rail strike. See the Argus for more.
On 4 Nov 2016 at 8:07am Towney wrote:
It's in the argus. That statement alone should tell anyone not to believe a word of it.
The argus....the paper that never lets the truth get in the way of a good story!!!!!
On 4 Nov 2016 at 11:32am Scare monger wrote:
And it's stupid stories that promote it , well done argus , ( small a as that's all you deserve )
On 4 Nov 2016 at 12:56pm Resident wrote:
Unwarranted scare mongering from that rag. Totally irresponsible, I hesitate to use the word journalism as I don't think they know the meaning of the word.
On 4 Nov 2016 at 1:16pm Wotcha wrote:
What if the story is true? As it is?
On 4 Nov 2016 at 3:23pm Annette Curtin-Twitcher wrote:
I hope the armed police are trained to distinguish between the sound of a big firework going off and anything more sinister!
This has huge potential to go horribly wrong ...
On 4 Nov 2016 at 3:28pm Robert Catesby wrote:
This came up in my F***book news feed.
Check it out here »
On 4 Nov 2016 at 3:40pm Matt Holland wrote:
Hi all.
Sussex Police confirmed this afternoon. See below.
Matt
Keeping people safe during bonfire celebrations
Sussex Police's focus for Lewes Bonfire is keeping people safe.
With Lewes Bonfire taking place on a Saturday this year more people are expected to attend the event. Due to the train strike and the A26 being closed this year from 5pm, travel into the town will be challenging.
In addition although there is no specific threat to the bonfire celebrations, the national security threat means further measures have been put in place to keep people safe.
Chief Superintendent Neil Honnor said: "With our partners, we aim to ensure a safe environment so everyone can have an enjoyable evening.”
"Lewes Bonfire is a high-profile crowded event, and although there is no specific reason to believe it will be targeted we have to consider the potential security threat. There will be additional road closures and some armed officers at the event on the night. In the current climate it is not unusual for armed officers to be at an event of this size."
"Due to the national security threat assessment and the evolving nature of the threat we have reviewed our response, as other forces around the country are doing continually, and as a result, despite not having any specific intelligence, have put additional security measures in place."
Check it out here »
On 4 Nov 2016 at 4:14pm Matt wrote:
(confirmed that there will be armed officers on duty, not that there is a specific threat)
On 4 Nov 2016 at 5:00pm Jonny wrote:
This is state propoganda peddled as journalism. The message is this: Stay home, watch TV, be afraid, only we can keep you safe, consume, big brother loves you. Now sports.
On 4 Nov 2016 at 7:35pm Tipex wrote:
I think if Isis are planning an attack they're going to struggle. They'll need to park at Cooksbridge and carry the bomb into town from there. They'll arrive exhausted sweaty and desperate for a pint. So, pile into the Black Horse for a swift couple before trying to make their way to the war memorial (the most obvious target). They won't get that far because their path will be blocked by pissed teenagers and bored looking coppers with florescent jackets over their florescent stab vests and wearing protective goggles for some unknown reason. Isis will be so hacked off by this point that they'll abandon their dastardly plan and traipse back to Cooksbridge where, out of sheer frustration, they'll detonate themselves at the level crossing. A pointless act given there'll not be any trains to disrupt. So the safest place to be tomorrow will be... Lewes.
On 4 Nov 2016 at 8:11pm Tim wrote:
I agree Tipex although I'd recommend they park and carry the bomb from Ringmer as it's slightly closer?
On 4 Nov 2016 at 10:27pm Jonny wrote:
It might accidently go off in Ringmer though Tim, hang on a minute.......
On 4 Nov 2016 at 10:41pm Hyena wrote:
Tipex, maybe some Diet Coke in the Black Horse rather than pints.
On 5 Nov 2016 at 12:59am Shireyk wrote:
Thanks Tipex, hilarious.
On 5 Nov 2016 at 7:28am Rosalyn St Pierre wrote:
I am appalled at anyone carrying guns in a crowded place, let alone in the great event in Lewes bringing in families with children. It is lively, fun, and a unique night. As councillor I have monitored arrests and with tens of thousands of people attending and participating, numbers rarely exceed double figures, and then for relatively minor disorderly conduct. Don't tell me that if there were an "incident" the police could get a clear line of fire? No, this would turn into a dreadful situation with innocent people caught in lines of fire! And who authorised this and the cost of bringing armed officers into Lewes? I sit in the Crime Police Panel which has the duty of holding Police Commissioner Katy Bourne to account and regularly get reports (available in minutes and webcam) of the high cost of policing terrorism and maintaining the armed police at Gatwick. So where is the funding coming from? It certainly was not put to the panel nor extra costs agreed before today.
On 5 Nov 2016 at 7:37am Deplorable basket weaver wrote:
It's a psych-op to scare people into not coming . The Anonymous operation in central London is the real target as that will cause a lot more disruption if it happens as planned.
Back in the 80s and 90s there was a rumoured threat from the Provo's but nothing came of it in Lewes except a few fisticuffs.
On 5 Nov 2016 at 7:59am resident wrote:
Thank you for your honest and informed post Cllr St Pierre. Totally in agreement.
On 5 Nov 2016 at 8:12am Jonny wrote:
Ros you're spot on, I think its an outrageous abuse of current legislation to generate fear among the masses. The system does not like large gatherings of people having a good time when it's not in support of something like a Royal Jubilee etc then they can't wait to get people out on the streets.
On 5 Nov 2016 at 8:22am Ouse wrote:
Chief Superintendent Neil Honnor. Says it all really......
On 5 Nov 2016 at 8:24am Oldbutintouch wrote:
Well said, Cllr. StPierre, what idiot proposed policing bonfire with tattooed thugs, high on adrenaline, and armed to the teeth - particularly as they are probably commanded by some shortarse called Kev, or Chris. Let's not forget the folly of an earlier Inspector Kev/Chris, Pascoe, who put in a fully kitted out riot squad to walk with the early evening children's procession . Whatever became of him? In the weird world of Sussex Police, he was probably promoted! Being old, but in touch, I am only reassured by the fact that the two officers liaising with the Societies are experienced bonfire veterans. Let's hope that parachuting in these armed bonfire virgins doesn't end in tears.
On 5 Nov 2016 at 8:44am Towney wrote:
A dozen people arrested??? There were 7 arrested at West Ham v Chelsea last week and it made every front page in the country.
Do you honestly think the police are going to start shooting randomly in the crowd every time they hear a rookie go off? Despite what people think of the police, they are here to protect us as much as they can, they are highly trained in what they do. I'm sure you can ignore them and enjoy your evening....just imagine they're not there
On 5 Nov 2016 at 9:38am Plebian wrote:
I will be very surprised to see HK MP5s on display.
On 5 Nov 2016 at 12:14pm Annette Curtin-Twitcher wrote:
I think that restrictions carried out in the name of "prevention" can easily become so onerous and restrictive that the terrorists might as well have won, tbh. When it happens incrementally, it's hard to spot when that line has been crossed.
If the security services have had intelligence that there is a real threat in Lewes tonight, fair enough, but if not, extending
the area and timing of road closures really isn't necessary imo.
I agree with Cllr St Pierre, the thought of armed police on streets packed full of people and burning torches is a ghastly prospect.
On 5 Nov 2016 at 1:24pm Oldbutintouch wrote:
Those of us with long memories will remember the time when Sussex Police trained their firearms officers on the fields and lanes north of Lewes. Residents became used to the sight of gun toting police wandering about the lanes. These exercises abruptly ceased after a group of uniformed buffoons decided to set up random and totally unauthorised road blocks, and began arresting and de-arresting local drivers. What larks! Whilst, undoubtably, heads rolled over these upper-school japes, as far as I heard, no official apology w as ever made. What price our so-called highly disciplined and highly trained Sussex Police firearms officers?
On 5 Nov 2016 at 1:43pm wakeywakey wrote:
"I am appalled at anyone carrying guns in a crowded place"
sorry Cllr St Pierre, but what do you think happens at places like Gatwick or Heathrow? not exactly deserts are they?
If you are whingeing about the "high costs" of counter terrorism and having armed police then you do not deserve to be a Councillor IMHO !
Its also an insult to those officers who do carry arms and provide a visible deterrent at places like Gatwick or high profile locations. Do you not honestly think they train for events involving crowds of people?
Maybe its not a pretty site seeing an armed officer at Lewes Bonfire but times change and I bet you'd be the first to moan about lack of police blah blah blah if heaven forbid something did occur....but by your post it would appear that money is more of a concern than security. I should imagine there was a fair bit of consultation done before the decision was made but obviously you know better.....