Uckfield Chamber of Commerce praises railway line campaign
.jpg "Uckfield Chamber of Commerce praises railway line campaign")
Uckfield Chamber of Commerce has welcomed new movement towards re-opening the railway line south of Uckfield and proposals to extend it towards Tunbridge Wells.
Chamber president Mr Peter Gale praised the efforts of the Wealden Line Campaign, run by Uckfield man Brian Hart, which are featured this month in Rail magazine.
The magazine contains an eight-page in-depth analysis of the Wealden Line Campaign’s Brighton Main Line 2 project – which would provide a direct link between Uckfield and Brighton via a new tunnel under the downs.
Brian Hart is interviewed in the article and transport correspondent Steve Broadbent suggests Network Rail, train operators and the Government should be taking BML2 more seriously.
The BML2 project could also provide room for future growth on the Tonbridge route by reintroducing main line services between London and Tunbridge Wells via Oxted.
“Our chamber greatly supports Brian Hart and his group in what they are trying to achieve,” said Mr Gale, a partner at Swindells accountants and tax specialists.
He said better rail links could dramatically improve Uckfield transport facilities and thus the economic life of the town.
Mr Gale said the Chamber was continuing to press for better parking near the Uckfield Railway Station.
He added: “It is my ambition to see something happen before the end of my term of office next year and I will be very sad if something does not come of our efforts.”
Mr Gale was speaking at a meeting of the Chamber held at the Bluebell Railway Station, Sheffield Park, followed by a steam journey to Horsted Keynes for refreshments.
Tim Baker who has been with the Bluebell Railway for 35 years told Chamber of Commerce members that it was hoped an extension of the line to East Grinstead would be open next year.
Efforts were continuing to clear rubbish from a cutting used as a landfill site.
The work cost £25,000 a day - £125,000 a week – and was done in four-week bursts.
The next dig is due to take place in July, another in September and hopefully the final dig will take place next March.
Five new members have joined the Chamber of Commerce. They are Michael E Connor Roofing Contractor, Buxted; Bowden 2 consultancy services, Cross in Hand; SVJ Consultancy, Maresfield; The Wine Teacher, Newick and Private Wealth Management, Uckfield.
Presentations were made at the meeting by Sue Cooper of Oregen Computing Training and Olivier Bizard of Kennedy Hygiene.
Christine Purkiss from Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce introduced herself and told members about the merger of the Eastbourne Chamber with the Eastbourne and District Enterprise Agency.
Neil Edwards of The Marketing Eye spoke about a Dragons Den-style competition being run by his company within Sussex community colleges.
Bob De’Ath talked about progress on planning for this year’s Uckfield Festival due to take place from July 8 to 17.
He said there would be a full programme of theatre, music, both popular and classical, along with historic and environmental walks.
Mr De’Ath said a “fantastic parade” was planned with workshops being held for schools, businesses and community groups to create puppets on the theme Work, Rest and Play.
The next meeting of Uckfield Chamber of Commerce is due to take place at Barnsgate Manor Vineyard on Tuesday, July 19, and be followed by a barbecue.
See also:
Uckfield business news, May 2011
Uckfield firms go the extra mile
Adam joins Birchwood Ford at Halland
These businesses help yours stand out from the crowd
(Added to site Thursday, May 12th, 2011)
