New locos on the way

NEW diesel engines are to be brought into use on the Uckfield rail line, and while some people have interpreted this is a setback to electrification, campaigners for new rail links are not downcast.

'The important thing is the reinstatement of the line to Lewes and Tunbridge Wells. We are not worried about what powers the trains and the newer diesel trains are virtually as good as electric trains,' said Mr Brian Hart, campaign director of the Wealden Line Campaign.

He was upbeat about the benefits new diesels would bring for customers saying they would mean air conditioning, sliding doors and faster and smoother journeys.

'They will be virtually indistinguishable from electric trains,' said Mr Hart. 'Technology has come a long way since the existing trains, which are 40-45 years old, came into use. We say don't worry about electrification, that could take years.'

Media relations manager for South Central Mr Marsid Greenidge said the rail company recognised that the old diesels would not survive the period of time between now and when the line was electrified and they needed to get new diesels as soon as possible.

He said they were in the process of getting tenders for the job and did not know when the new units would be in use. He agreed the trains would be much more modern than the existing ones but the facilities included would depend on who got the contract.

Mr Greenidge said that South Central were going to carry out a feasibility study into re-opening the rail link between Uckfield and Lewes but the possibility of a link with Tunbridge Wells was not included in the franchise agreement.