Welcome to SHRIMP - St Leonards and Hastings Rail Improvement Programme. SHRIMP is a voluntary non partisan group. We do not support, or receive financial support from, any political party
For more than years than many of us would like to admit to remembering, the rail services to / from Hastings have been poor, with a major reason being the outdated infrastructure, some of which would not look out of place in a museum. We make no apology for having repeatedly used the mantra 'It isn't good enough'.
But times they are a changing! The message seems to have got through! Following relentless lobbying by campaign groups like ourselves and with the tireless support of Amber Rudd MP, there is at last some seriously good news. Network Rail are to re-signal the East Coastway between Berwick and Bo-Peep Tunnel; from the detail we have seen this is a MAJOR upgrade. Further, this work is scheduled to be completed in 2013. In rail timelines that is a good result. We unreservedly thank NetworkRail for their commitment. In addition, and as reported in the media, there is to be significant work on the Marshlink East of Hastings during early 2012. Whilst there will be notable inconvenience during the works process, the longer term benefits should be superb. Network Rail have even hinted that it will create the opportunity for 2 trains per hour to Rye & Ashford. In short,the entrenched infrastructure blockages that have previously prevented any serious review of service patterns will be removed. The onus for improvements, or blame for lack of them, will shift to the service operators.
Having kept these matters at the top of the agenda to get the better transport links that are essential to the future prosperity of Hastings, these developments will energise all of us to keep working to achieve further positive results. The whole rail industry is very fluid at the moment and we shall work hard to obtain the maximum benefit for Hastings. So, users of SouthEastern do not despair. Your time will come. There are going to be opportunities to press for improvements to the Tonbridge/London line and they will be taken, starting at the SET stakeholders forum in early November.
Let's change the mantra to 'It looks to be getting better'.
SHRIMP calls on the people and especially the businesses of Hastings, St Leonards and Rother, together with a cross-political alliance, to continue to help us to help Hastings.
APPEAL - Would you or your organisation be willing to help by sponsoring a future flyer/poster campaign? Or maybe with a carnival float? Contact us via info@1066shrimprail.co.uk. Thank you!
Latest News
Following the Chancellor’s autumn statement today, please find attached a letter regarding the 2012 fare increase read more... |
Letter sent to Amber Rudd from Theresa Villiers about the Ore Tunnel works read more... |
Details of the planned replacement buses for the Ore blockade read more... |
Effective 11th December, SouthEastern are introducing extra capacity on some early morning services. read more... |
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