LETTERS/AWARDS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: september/october 2026 :: RMTnews 26 The Kent and East Sussex Railway (KESR) heritage railway currently runs through the stunning Rother Valley from the historic town of Tenterden through to Bodiam station which is walking distance to the stunning Bodiam Castle nearby. However, plans to re-instate services all the way to Robertsbridge are well under way and are expected to be completed by April 2028, extending runs to 14 miles one of the longest heritage lines in the country.. This extension would connect the KESR with the mainline once more allowing passengers to alight at Robertsbridge on the Hastings to London line and join the heritage line at Robertsbridge Junction. This is a huge undertaking which will require five new bridges and two new level crossings, one at Northbridge which has already been completed and another to be constructed across the A21 Robertsbridge bypass. This has only been possible by local fundraising, anonymous donations and political lobbying over many years including winning special Parliamentary dispensation to extend the line and install the new A21 level crossing. Although new level crossings are contentious, it was successfully argued that a 10 mile an hour heritage train is not the same as a modern train travelling at over 100 miles an hour! Network Rail has also helped install and develop the station at Robertsbridge Junction which allows passengers on the London- Hastings main line to alight and join the heritage line on the opposite platform. In fact, some of the workforce from Network Rail, London Underground and some train operating companies have elected to help as part of their community engagement programmes to make the long- desired extension of the line a reality. STEAMING ON TO ROBERTSBRIDGE! The picturesque Kent and East Sussex Railway heritage line has big plans