About our Action Group
BRAG was formed in 2005 in response to a proposal by the rail authorities to abandon through train services from the Bexhill area to London Victoria via Haywards Heath.
With the support of the local MP, Bexhill Observer and members of the community, BRAG succeeded in getting this proposal withdrawn, following a high profile media and letter writing campaign and petition.
Following this success, BRAG continues to campaign for improvements to rail services in the Bexhill and surrounding area.
Our ambitions include:
- Re-instatement of the Willingdon Chord (the direct line from Pevensey & Westham to Polegate, East Sussex which would enable the journey time from Bexhill to Lewes, Brighton, Gatwick, Croydon and London to be reduced by around 20 minutes.
- More frequent train services.
- more seats on existing services
- Improvements to the local stations
- New stations at Stone Cross, Glyne Gap and St Leonards West Marina
- Upgrading of the whole route between Brighton and Ashford International, including the extension of (Javelin) high speed services to Hastings and Bexhill from London via High Speed 1 and the Marshlink.
- Restoration of through Eurostar services between Ashford International and Belgium.
- Better coordination of connecting services at St Leonards Warrior Square.
- We also support the re-opening of the Lewes to Uckfield line.
We meet on a regular basis at the offices of hastingsdirect.com in Bexhill.
If you are a rail user and/or support our views then please get in touch and/or come along to one of our meetings. Contact us by Email
Officers of BRAG:
- Brian Hord, CBE (Chairman)
- Peter Parker (Deputy Chairman)
- Richard Tyler (Secretary)
- Martin Woodfine (Treasurer)
Endorsements:
'BRAG is an informed and active group lobbying hard for local rail passenger interests.'
Sharon Hedges, Passenger Focus
'1066 Country Marketing recognises the need for developing sustainable tourism, and a good train service is key to that. We recognise, acknowledge, and applaud the efforts of BRAG to maintain and improve rail services in this area, and look forward to continue working with them.'
Kevin Boorman, 1066 Country Marketing
