Press Releases week beginning 19 August 2019

Save our services

Hastings Borough Council is opposing plans to remove all Southeastern services from Ore in May 2020, including the direct services to Charing Cross and Cannon Street.
 
Council leader Cllr Peter Chowney explained :- "Southeastern have said in their latest timetable consultation document that they are proposing to withdraw all of their services from/to Ore from May 2020.
 
"We have said in our response that we have real concerns about this proposal.
 
"Ore is close to some of the most deprived areas of Hastings, itself the most deprived town in south east England, and the withdrawal of through rush hour services between Ore and London will impact upon this area.
 
"With direct peak hour trains to London replaced by a potentially unreliable service from Eastbourne, the economic regeneration of this area could be inhibited, making it less attractive for employers and for those considering moving to the area. It will also be a significant inconvenience to those who already live here and depend on this train service.
 
"We believe that the efficiency savings to Southeastern are minimal, but the social cost could be disproportionately high, and we urge Southeastern to reconsider this proposal."
 
The consultation period closes on Monday 9th September.