The Bluebell Railway's management has talked for years about the benefits to both them and East Grinstead of extending the line from Kingscote to East Grinstead but, while some soil has been removed, no money has been raised to remove the household waste in the cutting.

In 2003, the amount needed was £4m; now Bluebell management says it could be nearer £5m. While some of this money might be raised by way of a share issue, more emphasis needs to be placed on fundraising from the public and industry.

Members of the Bluebell also want to extend the line from Horsted Keynes to Ardingly.

This can only happen once the East Grinstead connection is made. With goodwill on the part of Hanson Aggregates, perhaps the Ardingly station building could be vacated to allow a connecting platform.

This would realise a potential for visitors from London and stations in between to visit the South of England showground at Ardingly which would, in turn, bring much-needed revenue to the Bluebell.

There could be special trains from Victoria, not only to Ardingly, but also to travel onward to Sheffield Park station, allowing tourists to either spend the day on the Bluebell or taken on by coach to Lewes, Firle House or even Glyndebourne.

The Bluebell Railway has great support in its catchment area, so its management and members should consider a public fundraising appeal. Press support and collections at mainline stations, supermarkets, shopping malls, cinemas and wherever people gather will go a long way to reaching the target of £5 million.

The joint co-operation and resolve of Network Rail, Southern, East Grinstead Town Council and the district and county councils, plus the support of East Grinstead Chamber of Commerce, can bring this project to fruition.

Perhaps the town council should approach a leading city businessman to chair and co-ordinate the project.

Is East Grinstead Town Council up to the challenge?

-DC Nickson, Oxted, Surrey