The possibility of an alternative rail route from Brighton to London is a subject which has been debated for many years without a satisfactory solution coming to the fore.

As time goes on the need becomes greater, and not just because of the recent weather.

The intensity of services on this main line is well-known, as is the chaos arising from breakdowns, accidents and other factors.

At first thought, it only requires an extension of a freight line to Horsted Keynes to complete a line from London to Brighton.

In the steam era, I believe there were occasional services from London to Brighton via East Grinstead, Horsted Keynes and Haywards Heath at peak times.

Before getting too excited, I know there are many problems with the possibility of a second line – ownership of the line, electrification, cost and the state of the track bed being just a few issues.

If a route were to involve re-opening the route between Uckfield and Lewes, parts of Lewes as it stands would have to be demolished. Alternatively, the line could join the Haywards Heath to Lewes mainline, though this would mean trains reversing at Lewes.

One thing is certain: any scheme to relieve the pressure on the London to Brighton mainline would be welcome.

Trevor Bolton, The Green, Southwick