Campaign to save rail service on track

Proposals in the Kent Route Utilisation Strategy document published earlier this year suggest the removal of the Hastings to Cannon Street service to make way for the new 5.5 billion Thameslink scheme.

However, with the Thameslink trains terminating at Tunbridge Wells, stations further down the line, including Battle, Robertsbridge, Crowhurst and Etchingham, would be left with no direct access to the City and a reduced service to Charing Cross.

Mr Barker urged the minister to seriously consider the implications of adding further complications to an already long journey.

He pointed out the devastating effect both on the rural communities, and on the regeneration of Hastings, that could occur should commuters be pushed into relocating out of the area and closer to London.

Mr Barker was also joined in the meeting by MP for Hastings and Rye, Amber Rudd, as he backs her new campaign to improve the fast service journey time along the same line by some 11-12 minutes.

Ms Rudd handed over a letter from SHRIMP, the St Leonards Hastings Rail Improvement Programme, to Theresa Villiers, proposing the withdrawal of stops further up the line, to significantly speed up the Hastings to London Bridge service.

Ms Rudd said: "It's essential that we improve our rail times to London. This could be a low cost way to achieve that."

Accepting the petition, Theresa Villiers, Rail Minister, said: "No decision has been made as to whether Hastings to Cannon Street services will be withdrawn to make way for Thameslink services.

"It is true that the planned Thameslink programme does require the withdrawal of a limited number of services that currently go into Cannon Street.

"However, there is a range of credible ways to do this, a number of which are consistent with Hastings retaining its current services to Cannon Street.

"The department is assessing all the alternatives.

"We are listening carefully to representations made on this and I welcomed the chance to hear the views of Greg Barker and Amber Rudd, when they briefed me on the concerns of their constituents."

Speaking at the Department for Transport, Mr Barker said: "A good, reliable rail service to London is vital for the future of our communities and I will continue to campaign against these proposals to axe our Cannon Street trains.

"Thank you to all those who helped gather signatures, and to those who signed – a strong message has been sent to the Department for Transport."