Local makes sense

With diminishing oil reserves and global warming there is much talk of alternative fuels to power road and air transport.

We are all aware of the pollution problems caused by traffic, but building new highways is not the answer. They damage the countryside, do little to relieve pollution problems, undermine local services such as shops and post offices and add to congestion and parking problems.

The answer is to reopen railway lines and stations, including local freight facilities, so that everyone can once again be within easy reach of a service and the roads can be left for light local traffic, safe for pedestrians, cyclists and horses.

Jonathan Dalton

Eastbourne, East Sussex