Rail action groups Christmas lunch

Attending the lunch were members from Bexhill Rail Action Group (BRAG), St Leonards and Hastings Rail Improvement Group (SHRIMP), and the East Coastway Commuter Group (ECCG).

One of the topics discussed at the lunch was the links forged with all the rail groups in East Sussex - which also includes the Marshlink Rail Action Group (MLAG) - creating an East Sussex Rail Alliance (ESRA).

During the past year the rail action groups have worked together, persistently fighting to improve rail links and services along the South East Coast.

Most recently they actively convinced rail authorities to produce an additional timetable showing vital links for services from Eastbourne, Bexhill, and Hastings to Ashford, Ebbsfleet for Eurostar, and Stratford for Docklands and St Pancras, which had been omitted in the main timetables.

Speaking after the lunch Ray Chapman of SHRIMP said the groups had collectively achieved a lot in the past year but there was still a lot of work to be done to improve rail services further.

"This year we've achieved a lot and gained the attention of the Secretary of State, Lord Adonis '“ raising at rail issues in East Sussex at the very highest levels.

"Southern Trains have worked well with the East Sussex rail groups in 2009 with upgrade to stations, new lower advanced priced ticketing, and a good compensation scheme. However for 2010 there is still work to do including extra carriages to be bought in to address overcrowding on London and Coastway services, faster services and the upgrade of the Marshlink."

For further information visit the BRAG website at: www.bexhillrailaction.org.uk