Proposal to close Newhaven Marine railway station a ‘joke’ says former Lewes MP

Network Rail is proposing to close the railway station to passenger railway services – despite the station being closed to the public three years ago over safety concerns.

Mr Baker told the Express: “Why are they consulting on something that has already been demolished? It is a joke.

“It is a waste of public money – it is absurd.

“I was thinking about opposing the consultation and asking the station be called ‘Newhaven Rubble’ as that is what is there! The serious point is, it doesn’t matter because the station has gone – so it doesn’t change anything.”

Passenger services into Newhaven Marine were slowly reduced until 2006, when services were suspended following safety concerns over the dangerous condition of the station canopy. Both the canopy and the station building were demolished in 2017.

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However, a ‘ghost’ train to Brighton still reportedly stops at the station at 8.15pm on weekdays since the station was closed to passengers.

Network Rail is proposing the track remain as a siding for berthing trains, as now, but also for freight train access to Newhaven Port where a new dock and freight handling facility is due to open. It is asking residents to give their views in a consultation, which runs until April 19.

Lewes MP Maria Caulfield said: “I would urge all interested residents to take part in the consultation on the future of Newhaven Marine Railway Station.

“The plans put forward would enable this section of railway and the Newhaven Marine Railway Station to become focused on freight and increasing capacity of Newhaven Port, giving the potential for freight to be moved off the town’s roads and on to the railway.”

Details of the consultation and how to respond are available at gov.uk/government/consultations/newhaven-marine-rail-station-closure/newhaven-marine-station-closure.

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