I write concerning a story printed in The Argus a year ago, headlined “Goodbye Brighton And Hove, Hello London-on-Sea” (September 11, 2011).

New planning guidance now coming into force by the Government means the Brighton rail line (which is currently inadequate) could increasingly demand some sort of London Underground extension to Gatwick, especially seeing as transport minister Norman Baker predicts there will be “no chance” of reinstating the Uckfield line to London (The Argus, September 3).

Often overlooked, the South Coast population has seen a massive increase since the Beeching rail cuts, forcing millions of people to use cars without a proper alternative. A joined-up, fully electrified coastal line would help.

Additionally, Brighton and Hove (if it were to realise its tag of “London-on-Sea”) could have Gatwick’s second runway at Shoreham Airport going out to sea.

That would provide “London-on-Sea” with a new business and tourist economy.

John Stanaway, Lorna Road, Hove