Caroline Ansell jumps to the defence of local train services
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FR2J359
The local Lib Dem Minister, Norman Baker MP, has announced plans to resurrect the ‘Willingdon Chord’. This will see Eastbourne's vital train links cut, with some trains avoiding Hampden Park and Eastbourne on their journey from Brighton to Hastings.
‘The Chord’ will cause serious damage to our town’s economy. Families, school children, commuters and local businesses will all be hit by these plans. The South Coast Multi Modal Study refused to endorse the Willingdon Chord, stating the reduced service to Eastbourne as the reason.
"We need to send a message to the Department for Transport that our town’s future prosperity is at risk." said Caroline Ansell. "A less frequent train service to Eastbourne & Hampden Park will mean more overcrowding on already fit-to-burst trains; it'll deter tourists from coming to experience our beautiful seaside town, and will damage the travelling experience of commuters and families."
Adam McNaught-Davies, of Eastbourne Town Team, was quoted in the Eastbourne Herald (11/04) as saying, "The Town Team believe Eastbourne is enjoying a fragile new reputation as a progressive destination for tourists, shoppers, industry and house buyers and it would obviously be counterproductive to risk damaging momentum, not least because Eastbourne's prosperity is incredibly important to East Sussex as well as those who live here."
Caroline has written to Mr Baker to express her concerns regarding the scheme.
To help Caroline protect Eastbourne & Hampden Park's vital train services, please fill out the survey below.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FR2J359