A plea for a second train line to the capital prompted conversation between shoppers at yesterday’s Meet Your Argus.

Shoppers at the Co-op in Western Road, Hove, stopped to chat, rant, vent and raise concerns with reporter Ben Leo.

A combination of wet weather and hot topics meant passionate shoppers weren’t shy about staying in-store to have a chat.

Charles Jenkins, 39, from Hove, voiced his annoyance at “frequently packed sardine-can trains” regularly experienced each morning for his commuting trip to London.

He said: “We need another main line, or the rail companies need to increase carriage numbers. How busy do the trains have to get before serious consid eration is given to a second Brighton to London mainline?

“Must I be destined for an uncomfortable commute for the rest of my working life? I pay enough for the answer to be no.”

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Fellow shopper Angela Henderson, 32, chipped in: “You’d think with all the cash they get from increasing rail fairs that they might be able to afford a few more carriages or something.”

As ever, parking was also a big concern for residents and workers in the area.

Danielle Hansell, 24, said: “If you want to come shopping for a decent length of time then it’s impossible to find anywhere to park without forking out.

“I just want to park on the street for three or four hours for a reasonable price, but most places you have to be gone after an hour or two.”

Mark Jacob, 49, added: “I’ve just moved into Hove and |am waiting to get a permit sorted.

“I’d probably just prefer an area with no restrictions. I have to pay on the machine while I wait for the permit. It’s costing a fortune.”

Brighton and Hove Albion season ticket holder David Coates, 67, despaired over his team’s recent injury woes.

He said: “Ulloa has broken his foot or something I think. We’re in trouble.”

Don’t miss the next Meet Your Argus with reporter Bill Gardner at The Shop On The Level on Ditchling Road, Brighton.