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