A direct train link between Brighton and Ashford has resulted in drastic cuts to rural rail services.

Journey times have been slashed 35 minutes by the link, which was launched last month and connects Brighton to Eurostar services at Ashford in one hour and 45 minutes.

But passengers at three rural stations have had their twicehourly service cut to five trains a day.

They say train operator Southern did not listen to their protests and they have now lost a vital lifeline.

The stations affected are Three Oaks, Doleham and Winchelsea, which lie between Hastings and Rye.

Mother-of-five Jennifer Hemming, 56, who lives near Doleham Station, said: "It is a major blow to us. We live in the middle of nowhere and it was the only link to civilisation for my 15-

year-old son Oliver.

"Now he can't get to college and if he needs to go into Hastings or Rye to meet friends we have to take him in the car, which is a 20-mile round trip.

"One man around the corner has had to quit his job in Hastings because he can't get there now. So much for this Government's commitment to improve public transport."

Southern said not enough people used the stations and it had to cut the stops to meet targets for reduced journey times.

Roger Bird, ward councillor on Rother District Council, said:

"I fear it is the thin end of the wedge and next year they will cut the services altogether.

"Three Oaks in particular has no bus service so it has effectively eliminated public transport for the community.

"All the feedback I have had is that it was well-used and valued.

It only takes a couple of minutes to stop a train. Why such a swingeing cut?"

Tony Cox, clerk of Icklesham Parish Council, which covers Winchelsea, said: "We are very disappointed. Our representations fell on deaf ears. We asked for it to be made into a request stop but they were not willing to compromise.

A Southern spokesman said:

"Our surveys revealed there was on average less than one passenger per train at each station and something had to give to try to achieve our franchise commitment for a fast service, which was backed by the Strategic Rail Authority.

"It made sense to reduce the stops in order to provide a faster service for the majority."