Kevin Scott of Lewes Chamber of Commerce claims "there is no public transport available into Lewes from many nearby towns". Such ignorance by pundits who drive everywhere is all too common and rarely challenged by the media or decision-makers.

Lewes, of course, is an important rail junction and hub of the bus network. Only a few people in isolated country cottages cannot get to Lewes by public transport during main working and shopping hours, sometimes with a change. They can drive to the nearest station or bus stop.

Recent local improvements include new trains, rail season ticket price cuts, Stagecoach's more frequent and direct routes and the Countrylinks bus and taxi system north of Lewes.

Parking controls and increased charges are underway in Brighton, Eastbourne, Lewes, Tunbridge Wells and the Wealden towns.

Each place has a gormless lobby alleging this will drive motorists away to the others.

Meanwhile, petrol prices are set to soar forever, making most cars and parking redundant very soon.

-Brian Phillips, Lewes and Wealden Area Officer East Sussex Transport 2000, Uckfield