I’ve just been sent a copy of a media release from Michael Foster MP, which says the campaign to maintain the Hastings service to Gatwick and Victoria met with success this week.

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It continues :–

The Department of Transport informed MP Michael Foster that the reason for the change was no longer valid and they would no longer require the train operator to withdraw the service.

 

The campaign, which has been led by passenger groups supported by Hastings Borough Council and the local MP, highlighted the need for a direct service particularly to Gatwick given the regeneration status of Hastings and the difficulties for disabled people in changing trains. The end of the link which was to have taken effect in May 2007, would also have meant a reduction from three coastway trains each hour to Eastbourne to two.

 

“I was told that the late running Hastings to Eastbourne link was clogging up the busy London to Brighton line and that this was why the change was necessary. Since the new trains have been in place, however, there have been very few late runnings and I am delighted that the Government have therefore agreed that in those changed circumstances, the rationale is to continue the service.

 

Hastings Borough Council leader Jeremy Birch said “This is an important decision for Hastings. The idea of a town with such potential as Hastings having no direct link with the major airport was not on. I am pleased the Department for Transport have listened to the Council’s voice which I know very much represented local opinion.”