I have attended almost every Lewes Bonfire Night since I moved to Sussex in 1976.

It has become one of the most enjoyable and interesting evenings in the calendar.

But it now seems Sussex Police wants to ruin the event for anybody who has to travel there, even the short distance from Brighton.

This became clear on arrival at London Road Station, where there was a significant police and security presence, preventing you from gaining access to the platform unless you first crossed the bridge over the railway line, then crossed the line again via the underpass, at which point you were then able to board a half-empty train.

On arrival at Lewes, you were unable to head directly for the processions because roads had been blocked off for no apparent reason.

When you were finally able to get to the High Street, the police prevented you from heading down to The Bride because of "the crush"- as I was informed by a supercilious police officer, despite the vast numbers of people clearly leaving the area.

You were then stuck, unable to cross the High Street, and because of the "herding" and closed side roads, you were also unable to re-trace your steps.

It took me more than 90 minutes to travel less than a mile to meet my friends.

I assume Lewes residents want people from the rest of Sussex to have fun and contribute to local charities and the economy but I will be seriously considering my options next year after this over-zealous policing.

-Keith Barnes, Brighton