What an appalling state our railways are in. As an old-time railway man, retired for 20 years with nearly 50 years of service, I am disgusted with the present situation.

The main cause of the problem is due to underfunding of British Rail by the previous government, followed by privatisation of the railways. To make matters worse, BR was sold off to many different companies, so there was no central authority.

In 1923 our four main line companies, LNE, GW, LMS and SR were the envy of the world.

Although before the war they were losing money to the roads, safety was foremost in every respect. Track was inspected daily by the local gangers. They were proud men and kept their track in tip-top condition. Tunnels were usually walked twice daily.

With all the modern equipment available this job should now be much easier. So who is to blame for the state of the track today?

I wonder what tourists think when they arrive here and use our railways? They will be frightened to travel. Rail users must feel very let down.

-V. Gander, Newlands, Balcombe