In an ideal transport world, the eight-mile long railway line between Lewes and Uckfield would be restored within the next few years.

But the railways are struggling to keep going and, despite all the Government's fine words, there is no sign of the necessary cash being made available.

Richard Bowker, chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority, said it was not top of his list of priorities.

Regrettably, he is right. The top priority must be to provide a better service on the lines that exist.

He needs to start with the Brighton line, which carries far more passengers than any other in the county but which still needs improvements.

Then he should concentrate on the two Coastway lines, which have new trains. They cannot be used to their full capacity because they do not have enough power.

Once these problems have been sorted out, Mr Bowker can turn to the Lewes to Uckfield line and other improvements that would be desirable, such as electrifying the route from Hastings to Ashford.

All the time he needs to remind the Government that if the railways are to expand as everyone hopes, the necessary cash must be made available.