Transport chiefs have been told to scrap plans for a controversial Sussex road scheme and spend the cash on better train services instead.
Lewes MP Norman Baker said a multi-million pound project to build a dual carriageway between Lewes and Polegate would be "environmentally destructive" and should be abandoned.
Speaking in a Westminster debate, he said the cash should be invested in reopening the Lewes-Uckfield railway line. Campaigners have been calling for the six-mile stretch of railway to be reinstated for 24 years but funding has yet to be found.
Mr Baker said trains hit a "dead end" at Uckfield - despite Lewes serving as a major rail junction for trains to the South Coast, Brighton, Eastbourne, London and Ashford.
The Liberal Democrat environment spokesman said money saved on the road scheme could also provide a new railway station at Newhaven.
He said this was needed to replace the three existing stations which he described as a "disgrace" and an eyesore to people arriving in the town by ferry from Dieppe.
Turning his fire on the road scheme, he said: "It is an environmentally destructive scheme that will cost millions of pounds and will go though an area of outstanding natural beauty."
Meanwhile, Mr Baker is to hold a meeting with transport ministers later today to discuss the success of a scheme run by South Central to cut the cost of travel in East Sussex.
Wednesday June 25, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article