Fresh hope is being given to a group of train enthusiasts campaigning to reopen a defunct rail line between Guildford, Horsham and Shoreham.

They are hoping the re-instatement of another service between Eastbourne and London Bridge – which launched this week – will boost their efforts.

The service had been withdrawn in 2020 following a reduction in use during the pandemic. But its reinstatement has brought new hope to members of the British Regional Transport Association who have been campaigning for years to reopen sections of rail lines which have been shut since the 1960s.

Association chief executive Richard Pill says reforms of rails should be made at Redhill with direct curves towards Gatwick from both Guildford and Tonbridge branches and a direct flyover linking the Channel Tunnel with Reading for freight.

West Grinstead Station was one of many railway stations which were shut in the 1960s. It now forms part of the Downs Link between Guildford and Shoreham

placeholder image — West Grinstead Station was one of many railway stations which were shut in the 1960s. It now forms part of the Downs Link between Guildford and Shoreham

“Reducing road congestion starts here,” he said. “And British Regional Transport Association also calls for a direct reinstatement of an Eastbourne passing line between Polegate and Stone Cross to enable more trains into Eastbourne from Gatwick Airport and London as well as shave end-to-end direct timings by 15-20 minutes between Brighton and Ashford.

“Hastings-Ashford should be electrified and the line to New Romney via Lydd reopened as a commuter link out of Ashford.”

Meanwhile, the association’s campaign for the reopening of the Guildford-Horsham-Shoreham line continues despite facing a number of problems.