We travelled from Brighton to Barnham on Saturday and viewed with dismay the ancient 11.30 train complete with bars on the windows.

Was it an ex-Second World War prison train? Our feelings were confirmed on boarding - it was dirty, uncomfortable and the toilets were a disgrace. It also arrived six minutes late, causing us to miss a bus connection.

On arrival at Barnham for the return journey, the indicator board showed no trains whatsoever. An affable railperson said they had trouble with Brighton trains and the best way was to get the (fast) London train and change at Hove. We were only able to do this because the (fast) London train was running ten minutes late.

In the event, it was actually 15 minutes late. The train was again dirty, half the toilets were locked and the heating was full on and apparently could not be turned off, although another affable railperson said he would try to remove a fuse.

We arrived at Hove to be met by an announcement that there would not be a Brighton train for at least 20 minutes. We gave up at this point and completed the journey by road. What a rip-off - Rastrick must be turning in his tomb.

-Tony Booker, Buller Road, Brighton