For application reference RR/2014/1608/P

Location: ROTHER VALLEY RAILWAY NORTHBRIDGE STREET, TO JUNCTION ROAD, . SALEHURST/ROBERTSBRIDGE, EWHURST, BODIAM

Description: Reinstatement of the Rother Valley Railway from Northbridge Street, Robertsbridge, to Junction Road, Bodiam.

This comment was submitted via the Council's website on 16th August 2014 from Rother Valley Railway Supporters Association, Robertsbridge Junction Station, Station Road, Robertsbridge, , TN32 5DG

I am writing on behalf of the Rother Valley Railway Supporters' Association, which as the name suggests was set up to support the restoration of the lost railway between Robertsbridge and Bodiam. While we are part of the RVR 'family', we are an independently constituted body, drawing our funds from our membership alone and not controlled by the railway.

We firmly believe the proposed development will greatly benefit this part of East Sussex. When regular K&ESR train services run through to Robertsbridge once more, after a gap of sixty years, this can only bring additional tourists and spending all along the line. In particular, the interchange with the will enable many visitors to places like Bodiam, Great Dixter (via ) and to travel by rail instead of by car, especially with suitable marketing by the various operators involved.

In our view, by creating additional ridership on the Hastings line, the project will help maintain frequent services and reduce any chance of future service reductions. K&ESR will also benefit of course from passengers being able to reach it by train from London, Hastings and elsewhere, opening up a large new market, and helping ensure its long term viability.

Regards

Steve Griffiths Secretary RVRSA

OnlineCommentsOC