New arguments favour rail link

Fresh arguments in favour of reinstating and re-opening the Uckfield to Lewes railway line have been discovered following a review of a study published by the Central Rail Corridor Board.

Uckfield, Crowborough and Lewes Town Councils appointed consultants to undertake the review and representatives now want to open formal discussions with East Sussex County Council to continue a campaign to reopen the link.

A report to a meeting on Monday, March 15, of the Uckfield Town Council environment and leisure committee says a draft media release has been prepared and will be circulated at the meeting.

The report, from Cllr Ian Smith, says each town council is recommended to sign off the document, compiled by Jacobs Consultancy, and publish it on their websites.

It is proposed there is nothing further to be achieved from retaining the consultancy but that the report has opened up new avenues for arguments in favour of reinstatement and re-opening of the rail link and that the three councils should work together to discuss the matter with the county council.

Update (added March 29, 2010): The committee agreed the press release would not be distributed until it had been received by all three town councils.

(Added to site Thursday, March 11th, 2010)