Council urges rail improvements.

6.30.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 24th Jul 2009

Eastbourne rail users deserve a better service. That was the unanimous decision of councillors during this weeks' full council meeting. Southern rail, who are the sole operators running trains in and out of Eastbourne, have made changes to timetables to the anger of commuters.

Councillor Wallis, was proposed the motion says: 'Due to changes to trains leaving the capital, in particular London Bridge, the new times are just not user friendly and lead to cramped travel conditions or having to leave London later therefore leading to unsocial working hours.' There are other issues that concerned councillors, overcrowding and journey times included. Stephen Lloyd, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesman also addressed council members and added; 'having recently attended a meeting of commuter groups and Southern Rail management, it is imperative that their concerns are addressed urgently by the rail operator and the situation improved."

There are an estimated 400 commuters who travel from Eastbourne to London on a daily basis, and the cost of an annual season ticket can be as high as £3672. Councillor Wallis added, 'Southern Rail make a lot of money from the rail users of Eastbourne, so the town deserves a better service.' Commuters are urged to visit the Southern Rail website and contribute to the Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS) which is currently being reviewed and comments must be submitted by the 21st August.