Campaigners fighting for the reconstruction of a railway which closed in the 1960s have taken their case to senior politicians.

The Wealden Line campaign group has produced a glossy brochure outlining the case for the reopening of the nine-mile link between Uckfield and Lewes.

It has dispatched 50 copies to MPs and members of the House of Lords as well as senior officials at rail operators likely to bid for the Southern franchise this year.

Campaign leader Brian Hart said: "We want to make sure people in positions of influence are aware of the history of the line and the value of reinstating it."

The railway was closed in 1969 after years of low use but support has grown for its reinstatement.

The line would create a link to Uckfield's line to London and would provide an alternative commuter route to the overcrowded London to Brighton mainline.

Supporters say it would also reduce car use and boost the economies of Uckfield, Crowborough and the surrounding villages by connecting them to the South Coast.

Uckfield's line to London has seen a boom in use in the past three years since the arrival of new rolling stock and improved timetables.

Several campaigns have been run for a reopening of the line to Lewes since the 1960s.

The latest attempt has reached an advanced stage and the campaigners have hopes of a final success.

East Sussex County Council has commissioned a Network Rail study into the project and Southern Railway has expressed a willingness to operate the route.

A succession of MPs from all parties have spoken of their support, including shadow transport minister Theresa Villiers.

Mr Hart said: "We are moving in the right direction now, which is why we want the best information out there."

While the councils and public in Lewes, Uckfield and Crowborough have backed the plan, it has met opposition in the villages of Isfield, Barcombe and Hamsey, through which the line would pass.

East Sussex County Council said the feasibility study commissioned in January is due to be completed in April.

The WealdenLink brochure includes a brief history of the line and topographical illustrations of its previous and proposed new route as well as details of how it would contribute to the network in Sussex.

To view the document visit www.wealdenlink.org.uk.

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