►►Railfuture leaflet calling for reopening◀◀
Rail campaigners are a step closer to the goal of reopening the Uckfield-Lewes rail line.
At a public meeting in Lewes last week (18 July 2013) Railfuture presented evidence prepared by independent transport advisor Jonathan Roberts Consulting.
The JRC report shows that reopening the line will create access to jobs and education for people in East Sussex.
“Given the population density and highway congestion, it seems inconceivable that a way cannot be found to make this project happen,” said Adrian Shooter, Railfuture vice president who is former chairman of Chiltern Railways, Britain's most successful train operator.
The JRC report covered the economic and transport picture across all of East Sussex, and identified where improvements in rail services are needed to promote economic growth in the county.
Key recommendations include investing in reopening the Uckfield-Lewes rail link to achieve faster journey times in the local area and to destinations such as Gatwick, Croydon and London.
The JRC review also makes recommendations to promote economic growth in Hastings, Eastbourne and Newhaven through rail improvements along the Sussex coast.
“This is great news, as we now have evidence to support the proposal that we have been campaigning for,” said Chris Page of Railfuture.
“We have been working with local authorities, including East Sussex County Council, to develop a new station car park and transport hub at Uckfield, and to protect the route so that it can be reopened."
"By combining the benefits of regional economic growth with increased network capacity, we can create a viable business case for reopening to provide services to Brighton and the Sussex Coast.
"We want to work with the council and Network Rail to find a solution which fits with their plans, supports economic growth in the region and benefits passengers.”
Earlier in the week, Railfuture presented the JRC report to the council.
More details of the campaign to reopen Uckfield-Lewes can be found at RFUL