Eridge - May 2002

The 08.30 to Uckfield prepares to depart on Saturday 18 May 2002. There were only two passengers aboard and no one either joined the train or alighted - an abysmal level of patronage which typifies off-peak services on the Uckfield line.

Sadly, there is now a palpable atmosphere of decay and dereliction at this previously bustling junction station, where feral pigeons liberally sprinkle their droppings over the platforms, easily outnumbering the passengers.

One only has to compare the level of traffic at this time of day with that on the adjacent Brighton and Hastings routes to realise what a wasted opportunity this route represents in its current condition.

How much longer will local travellers have to wait to obtain a decent train service? (Grid Ref. TQ 543 346)