A bonfire society has cancelled public access to its firesite at its annual event in Lewes.

Cliffe Bonfire Society announced that its site for Lewes Bonfire this Saturday will be closed to the public due to the weather conditions and “difficulties with the public area”.

The event in Ham Lane will now be members only, with all tickets previously sold to be refunded.

A spokesman for the bonfire society said: “Due to the current and ongoing weather situation and difficulties with the public area of our firesite, Cliffe Bonfire Society have made the difficult decision to cancel ticket sales and access to the public to our firesite on November 4.

“The event will be members only and all tickets previously sold will be refunded.

“Tickets purchased online will be refunded automatically - no further action is required from online ticket holders.

“Anyone holding a physical paper ticket will be able to get a full refund by coming to The Dorset in Malling Street, Lewes, between 7-9pm on November 3 or 11am to 3pm on November 4.

“The remainder of our evening will progress as planned.

“We thank all those who had bought tickets for their support and hope that everyone understands that we as Cliffe Bonfire Society need to put on the safest event possible.”

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A number of other firesites are also due to take place for Lewes Bonfire on Saturday, along with the annual procession through the town’s streets.

Sussex is due to be hit with strong winds and heavy rain tomorrow as Storm Ciarán batters the south coast.

While rain is forecast on Saturday in Lewes, most of the showers are expected between 9am and 6pm.