With the recent severe weather bringing major disruption to the Sussex rail network, it is not surprising to hear renewed calls for reinstatement of the Lewes to Uckfield line as an alternative route from Brighton to London.

However, looking at my copy of the British Railways Atlas of 1955, there is another route which could potentially provide a cheaper alternative.

From Haywards Heath there used to be an electrified line to Ardingly – now still in situ as a freight line – which, if extended, has the potential to link into the Bluebell Line from Horsted Keynes to East Grinstead and on to London.

It need not necessarily require expensive electrification as it should be possible to convert the couplings on spare (redundant) diesel locomotives – to be based at Brighton for when needed – to haul electric trains to East Grinstead to rejoin the electrified line into London. Food for thought?

Stuart Elms, Rackham Road, Tarring