New Year wishlist

BEXHILL's need for improved train services has been spelt out in a Christmas wish-list.

Bexhill Rail Action Group (BRAG) has formally responded to the Brighton Mainline Route Utilisation Strategy.

In September, the Department for Transport launched a consultation exercise on the future shape of services using the Brighton Mainline, and confirmed its earlier decision to reprieve through services between Bexhill and London via Eastbourne and Haywards Heath.

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In a six-page letter to the DfT, BRAG chairman Brian Hord, outlined the town's need for better rail services over the coming decade.

Top of the shopping list is faster services between Bexhill and the capital.

BRAG believes that there is scope for faster journey times through better timetabling, and the superior performance of modern rolling stock introduced in the last five years.

In the submission, BRAG calls for an end to division and attachment of trains at Haywards Heath, which it believes, causes confusion and inconvenience to rail travellers.

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BRAG would also like to see a later last-train home from London, and better early morning services between Bexhill and Gatwick Airport.

Longer term, BRAG wishes to see the re-opening of the Willingdon chord, which would enable long-distance trains to bypass Eastbourne '“ saving nearly 20 minutes from the Bexhill to London journey time - and upgrading of the Hastings to Ashford route, which could facilitate fast journeys to London and the Thames Gateway via the new high-speed line.

Mr Hord said: "BRAG would like to see a conference to bring together important stakeholders from across East Sussex, with the aim of co-ordinating campaigns for future rail improvements.

"We have been in discussion with the national rail user body Passenger Focus about this, and hope to hear more details early in the New Year.

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"Hopefully Bexhill has turned the corner in 2006 as far as public transport is concerned.

"Lots of people came together to fight-off the plan to end our through service to London, and BRAG is building up a good relationship with the train operator.

"But we should still keep up the pressure.

"The focus is going to switch to long-term improvements to services and infrastructure in our area. The reality is if you don't ask, you don't get

"The East Coastway has long been the missing link as far as south coast rail services are concerned.

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"The spotlight regularly falls on Brighton and Kent, both of which are able to advocate strongly in Whitehall and Europe, but all-too-often East Sussex is simply forgotten. To counter this, we must advocate more effectively in high places."