TRANSPORT secretary Chris Grayling has given campaigners hope of a long-term solution to the county's rail woes by agreeing to discuss their ambitious project.

The Epsom MP has agreed to meet members of the Brighton Main Line 2 campaign group later this month to discuss the project.

The group has long campaigned for a second line between Brighton and the capital to reduce the pressure on the existing line.

Consultants WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff were instructed to explore the viability of the long-mooted Brighton Main Line 2 alongside other options to improve capacity and meet ever growing demand on the route for the next 20 years.

Former chancellor George Osborne commissioned a viability study to add a second London line in April 2015 but the £100,000 report remains unpublished despite rail minister Paul Maynard revealing in October it had been completed.

Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby, who helped arrange the meeting, said: “I am pleased that the secretary of state has agreed to this meeting. I believe that this project could be a long-term solution to resolving some of the problems on the existing line.”

The meeting will be held later on this month.