We were formed in 2005 in response to proposals to end through services to London, but we see our ongoing role as to campaign for enhancements to local rail services.

We work constructively with MPs, Councillors, industry stakeholders, other campaign groups, the media, and members of the public.

Our past successes include:

• Lobbying and negotiating for an enhanced timetable on the East Coastway, between Hastings and Eastbourne; to include through services to Ashford International –for enhanced connections into High-Speed services - and London Victoria; and limited-stop services to Brighton.

• Proposing an early morning service between Eastbourne/Bexhill and Ashford International.

• Lobbying for extra carriages on the Marshlink line between Eastbourne and Ashford.

• Lobbying train operators for a wider range of fares from local stations.

• Capacity enhancements and journey time reductions on Victoria services through the elimination of attaching and dividing trains at Haywards Heath.

• Campaigning for enhancements to local stations.

Our longer-term aims include:

• Delivery of direct High-Speed services from London St Pancras to Bexhill, Hastings and Rye via Ashford International, thereby reducing the journey time from Bexhill to the capital to around 79 minutes. Integral to this is the upgrade and electrification of the Marshlink between Ore and Ashford.

• Restoration of Eurostar services at Ashford International.

• Ensuring safe and accessible local stations and train services.

• Better use of multi-modal connections in the local area.

In the immediate term we are also seeking to maintain staffed ticket offices at Bexhill and Cooden Beach and across the national network.