Eastbourne MP demands urgent action over weeks of rail disruption

Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde has met senior rail executives to demand “urgent action” over weeks of disruption affecting passengers across Sussex.

The Liberal Democrat MP held talks with Network Rail and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Southern services, after raising concerns about the impact continuing problems are having on passengers and Eastbourne’s local economy.

Disruption has continued following the derailment near Lewes on 13 August, with passengers facing temporary speed restrictions, altered timetables and cancellations.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) confirmed three vehicles of the London Victoria to Eastbourne service derailed and overturned around a mile north of Lewes station. Its investigation remains ongoing.

Mr Babarinde secured the meeting after writing to GTR, Network Rail and the Department for Transport earlier this month to raise concerns about the disruption.

During the talks, rail executives outlined some of the factors behind continuing problems on the network, including the effects of extreme heat and prolonged dry weather.

Network Rail says very hot and dry conditions can cause clay soil beneath the railway to lose moisture and shrink, which can result in movement and uneven track. Temporary speed restrictions can then be introduced while monitoring and repairs take place.

Network Rail is carrying out a range of measures, including reinforcing sections of track, removing excess vegetation and undertaking safety and repair work.

Disruption is expected to continue until the week beginning 12 October while much of the work is completed.

Mr Babarinde also pressed GTR and Network Rail on whether compensation or other support could be made available to communities affected by the disruption.

Rail executives agreed to explore whether help could be provided through GTR’s Your Station, Your Community Improvement Fund, which supports community projects across its rail network.

The Eastbourne MP said longer-term investment was also needed to make the railway more resilient and reduce the risk of passengers facing similar disruption in future.

The final findings of the RAIB investigation into the Lewes derailment have yet to be published. Its preliminary investigation identified a track geometry irregularity close to the point where the train derailed and said the accident happened during a sustained period of hot and dry weather. However, investigators have not yet reached a final conclusion on the cause.

In a statement following the meeting, Mr Babarinde said:

“While I recognise that essential safety and repair works need to be carried out, it is unacceptable that passengers across Eastbourne and Sussex have been left facing months of significant disruption.

“I want to see rail bosses doing everything possible to minimise disruption and restore reliable services as quickly as possible.

“But we also need to look beyond the immediate repairs. The Government must deliver the long-term investment needed to build a more resilient rail network and ensure that passengers across Eastbourne and Sussex are not left facing this level of disruption again.”

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