Rail work "debacle" claim action group

Bexhill Rail Action Group (BRAG) criticised infrastructure operator Network Rail after engineering works closed all four railway routes out of East Sussex on Sunday October 3, forcing passengers off trains and onto buses.

The group say that simultaneous engineering works between Ore and Ashford International, Robertsbridge and Tonbridge, and Lewes and Three Bridges - as well as on the Uckfield line between Oxted and East Croydon - left the county cut off from London.

BRAG spokesman Richard Madge said:

"BRAG has raised the matter with rail watchdog Passenger Focus. We all understand the need for engineering works at weekends, and indeed, welcome investment in the railway network. However, it is a nonsense that all four routes out of the county were closed at the same time.

"We know from research that passengers don't like getting off trains and onto buses, and often prefer a longer journey via a diversion, or even changing trains.

"We have raised the issue of engineering blockades before and would like Network Rail to be more mindful of this again in the future."

In response a Network Rail spokesperson apologised for the disruption the maintenance works caused, saying:

"There were a number of pieces of routine maintenance which needed to be carried out last weekend. Where possible we try to plan improvement works so passengers only have to use buses as a last resort.

"If this cannot be achieved we work with the train operators to highlight in advance the disruption for passengers and the revised timetables which will be in place.

"We apologise for any inconvenience passengers experienced while we carried out this important work."

For further information on Bexhill Rail Action Group and to receive the Autumn newsletter, visit the website at: www.bexhillrailaction.org.uk.

Information on Network Rail can be viewed at:www.networkrail.co.uk