Residents have criticised claims that they are in favour of plans to rebuild a railway which once ran through their village.

Several residents from Isfield, near Uckfield, said they did not support proposals to reconstruct the line between Uckfield and Lewes, which has been closed since 1969.

Andy Brooks, landlord of the Laughing Fish pub, next to Isfield's old station, said: "Isfield is a comparatively peaceful rural village, sufficiently off the beaten track to be positively idyllic at many times of the year. A re-opened railway would transform that."

It has been reported that all the parishes along the line's proposed route, mostly following the original trackbed, had given it their support, except for Hamsey, near Lewes, where it would cause most disruption.

However, villagers in Isfield and Barcombe, near Lewes, which both previously had stations, have said their parish councils have not officially backed or opposed the plans.

Alex MacGillivray, chairman of Barcombe Parish Council, said: "We have not yet been called upon to give an opinion one way or the other. There are certainly a few issues we would like to discuss about the proposals and how the parish would be affected."

He said the line could have some negative effects, particularly in Barcombe Mills, closest to where the tracks would run. The council has contacted East Sussex County Council to ask for an opportunity to voice its concerns.

Plans to reinstate the railway have gathered momentum following investment by transport consultants Intermodality and private backers Norwest Holst and Bride Parks Merlin.

Early proposals have been supported by Lewes and Wealden district councils, Uckfield, Lewes and Crowborough town council and several parishes. The line is seen as a way of regenerating the area by connecting it to the coast.

Isfield resident Ian Moore said: "Some residents are concerned about the impact upon the character of our village, our properties and lives."

One of the biggest changes would be the proposed removal of the Lavender Line preserved railway, which provides a focal point for visitors to the village.

Brian Hart, from pro-railway group Wealden Line Campaign, said he was surprised by the response. He said: "This is certainly not the response we have had over the years from villagers."