27/11/2009 06:48:00

Plans to change rail services from Network Rail have been contested by locals and councillors as it is claimed they will leave East Sussex as a "forgotten county".

The BBC reports that a conference in Eastbourne today will see the rail operator and passenger focus come together to discuss the proposed changes.

Network rail claims that the plans are part of a larger strategy to result in a bigger and better railway in Kent and East Sussex, but many are unhappy with the news that direct trains from Hastings to Canon Street will be reduced in capacity. The changes are set to come into action by 2015 and the rail operator suggesta that the development of new strategies is an important part of its role.

Also included in the plans, which are set out in Network Rail's Route Utilisation Strategy for Kent, is the fact that there are proposals to reduce the number of carriages from 12 to eight on trains between Hastings and Charing Cross.

According to the BBC, Councillor Matthew Lock explained: "There are a number of key concerns arising from the publication of the draft Route Utilisation Strategies.

"East Sussex seems to have been forgotten in the development of these strategies, and in certain areas of the county we'll potentially have a reduction in rail services.

"Train services are fundamental to the future of our towns and villages, helping with regeneration, community links, journeys to work and accessibility to public services.

"Any reduction in this service would have a serious impact on towns and villages along the route."