Plans to reopen the Lewes-Uckfield train link are firmly back on the agenda following a top level meeting between MPs and rail planners.

But Sussex MPs were told that the multi-million pound project to restore the seven-mile line is not a top priority.

There will be further meetings to discuss the route and the complicated legislative procedures, including Bills through Parliament, to build a new railway.

The meeting at Westminster was attended by MPs Des Turner (Brighton Kemptown), Charles Hendry (Wealden) and Norman Baker (Lewes), and by Richard Bowker, chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority.

Mr Bowker has repeatedly said that he wants to get the existing network running properly before there are any new lines.

Norman Baker has been campaigning for the reopening of the line from the moment he became a councillor in the early Eighties, Since becoming MP for Lewes in 1997 he has made the restoration of the link one of his top objectives.

He said: "It was a useful and frank meeting. Mr Bowker said the project was not a top priority but he has not ruled it out."

Track can be laid between Hamsey and Uckfield, basically following the route of the old line but a completely new link would have to be built to connect to the main line between Lewes and Haywards Heath.

There would be reconstruction at Lewes station to accommodate the new system and a new junction would have to be built near Cooksbridge.

The new rail line would give Seaford and Newhaven another link to London and be a boost to both towns.

Tuesday June 10, 2003