Uckfield-Lewes Rail link supporters Messrs Stoddart and Hart have put the usual response to anyone who questions the need or viability of the project (Letters, June 29).

I have visited the Wealden Line Campaign (WLC) web site where Brian Hart states that the campaign's figure of £40m for the project is backed up by a detailed estimate by an expert.

The problem is that it has never been published for scrutiny so we have to take this figure on faith.

As a retired project services consultant, I have carried out a mini-study and believe the Strategic Rail Authority's figure of £100m could be a bit on the high side but nearer the true probable cost.

Mr Stoddart states that the WLC "has consistently put a strong viable case for restoring this line". Well, perhaps it could publish it?

Over the past two years, all I have seen are statements with no supporting figures or research details.

So what we have is a case with no detailed capital cost estimate, no research on passenger numbers, no revenue forecast and no operating cost estimate.

That's hardly a case that would satisfy a professional consultancy.

Mr Hart implies that prior to 1969 the Uckfield line was part of the London South Coast link. That needs challenging.

I started commuting to London in 1959 from Lewes via the Brighton line and made many friends, over the years, with passengers from Eastbourne and Seaford and at no time did any of us ever think of going to work via Uckfield.

In fact, if it had been used, as suggested by Mr Hart, then Dr Beeching would have had no basis, within his terms of reference, for recommending closure.

Perhaps the campaigners should get their own house in order before slating Mr Bowker and the SRA.

Brian Beck

-Highdown Road, Lewes