Yes to new station

A PLAN to scrap Newhaven's three stations and replace them with a single modern station has been backed by a community group.

The proposal by the town's MP, Norman Baker, was discussed at a Newhaven Community Development Association forum attended by 30 members.

There was broad agreement that Newhaven Marine, Harbour and Town stations should go and a new station be built north of the Newhaven Town site.

Mr Baker said: 'Newhaven residents deserve a decent railway station. The new facility should be manned, have adequate car parking, a taxi rank, bus connections and a caf . Passengers from the ferries would be coached to the new railway station. I intend to discuss the plan with the railways minister, Railtrack, South Central and others shortly.'

The MP also pledged to find out why the swing bridge often opens at the same time the London train is due and why train and bus services do not connect.

As of last week train fares from Seaford and Newhaven to Lewes were reduced for a six-month trial, following a suggestion by Mr Baker. As a result a weekly season ticket will cost 10 a reduction of around a third.

Mr Baker said: ' I hope that as many people as possible will take advantage of these big cuts in ticket prices. '