Eastbourne MP demands urgent action over ongoing rail disruption
It follows weeks of disruption to passengers
Last updated 23rd Sep 2026
Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde has met with senior railway executives to demand “urgent action” following weeks of significant disruption affecting passengers across Sussex.
Following the derailment at Lewes on 13 August, passengers have faced major changes to services, including temporary speed restrictions, timetable changes and cancellations.
At the meeting earlier this month, representatives from Network Rail and Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR) outlined some of the factors behind the ongoing disruption, including the impact of extreme heat and prolonged dry weather.
Work in ongoing by Network Rail including reinforcing sections of track, removing excess vegetation and carrying out essential safety and repair works.
Disruption is expected to continue until the week commencing 12 October.
In a statement following the meeting, Mr Babarinde said:
“While I recognise that essential safety and repair works need to be carried out, it is unacceptable that passengers across Eastbourne and Sussex have been left facing months of significant disruption.
“I want to see rail bosses doing everything possible to minimise disruption and restore reliable services as quickly as possible.
“But we also need to look beyond the immediate repairs. The Government must deliver the long-term investment needed to build a more resilient rail network and ensure that passengers across Eastbourne and Sussex are not left facing this level of disruption again.”