Lewes District Council has extended its gratitude to the hardworking staff who ensured the success of this year’s Lewes Bonfire Night. In an impressive overnight operation, the Environment First crew collected nine tonnes of waste, working tirelessly from 1am to 7am to clear the town of debris left by celebrants.
Their efforts meant that by Sunday morning, Lewes was pristine, showing little sign of the previous night’s festivities. Following their shift, the clean-up crew were treated to a well-deserved breakfast at Lewes Town Hall, hosted by Mayor Matthew Bird and councillors including Wendy Maples and Imogen Makepeace. This annual tradition saw the Mayor and councillors serving both traditional English and vegan options in appreciation of the crew’s hard work.
Mayor Bird praised the team for their remarkable efficiency, noting that their work made it seem as if the bonfire event hadn’t happened at all. Councillor Maples, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Wellbeing, echoed these sentiments and highlighted the use of new all-electric refuse vehicles in the clean-up, underscoring the council’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The success of the event was also attributed to the meticulous planning and cooperation of various teams, including emergency services, St John’s Ambulance, and council staff in Regulatory Services. Their year-long engagement and coordination with bonfire societies, businesses, and the local community played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the event.
Additionally, the Neighbourhood First Team’s decision to keep the main district council toilets open, along with the provision of chemical portable toilets, was a significant contribution. This decision, supported by diligent cleaners and security staff, provided a safe and eco-friendly option for the estimated 20,000 attendees.
