'Save our trains' protest

Gregory Barker, MP for Bexhill and Battle, joined 20 protesters outside Bexhill Station for the launch of the petition on Friday.

The protesters consisted of representatives from the newly formed Bexhill Rail Action Group together with Bexhill Chamber of Commerce and Tourism and the Association of Bexhill Citizens.

The petition calls on the Secretary of State for Transport to maintain the direct rail service to London from Bexhill and local intermediary stations. It further calls on him to work to enhance, and not cut, the rail service at all stations in the Bexhill and Battle constituency.

Supporters believe that any cuts would drastically undermine efforts to regenerate the local economy.

Mr Barker said: "Under the proposed new timetables, which could be implemented in December, Cooden Beach and Collington stations will see their service reduced from four to two trains an hour, while Bexhill will have only four trains an hour, instead of the current six.

"This is on top of the threat to the direct service to Gatwick and London. These cuts will be a further body blow to our attempts to regenerate the area and fly in the face of government promises to provide viable transport alternatives to the car.

"This petition is the first step in my renewed attempt to get the Strategic Rail Authority to change its mind, but ultimately the buck stops with Ministers."

Greg hopes to hand the petition over to the new government Minister in charge of rail, Derek Twigg, after requesting an urgent meeting with him to discuss the cuts.