BUSINESS leaders met Rail Minister Paul Maynard to discuss the ongoing Southern strike action.

The group spoke of the devastating effect the strikes are having on the economy in Sussex, a county characterised by small and medium sized businesses.

Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell, who organised the meeting, said: “I was pleased to secure a meeting for local business leaders to have direct talks with the minister in London.

“They made it very clear to him just what the strikes and the poor service over many months has meant for their members, some of whom have been brought to the brink of closure.

“I continuously lobby ministers about the consequences of these relentless strikes but nothing is better than hearing from the public face-to-face.”