NORMAN Baker MP has raised again the matter of the reopening of the railway line between Lewes and Uckfield with the laudable object of taking pressure off the Brighton main line (The Argus, August 27).

I think everyone would support this scheme, if it was possible, both from a financial and practical standpoint.

I have previously expressed my doubts as to the viability of the proposals.

Presumably, Mr Baker does not envisage demolishing parts of Lewes town centre to restore the previous route?

If not, he must have some specific idea of the new route out of Lewes to reach Uckfield and beyond.

I would be very interested to learn what research Mr Baker has undertaken in this regard.

It should be borne in mind that when trains ran between Brighton, Lewes, Uckfield and Tunbridge Wells, (also East Grinstead), they were not hugely supported by local passengers and the routes were closed by Brighton Railways as uneconomic.

I cannot envisage today’s train operators reopening the line simply to ease congestion on the Brighton main line.

Trevor Bolton, The Green, Southwick