This summer, representatives of ESTA have met three of the new Members of Parliament whose constituencies are served by the East Suffolk Line: Peter Aldous MP (Waveney), Dr Therese Coffey MP (Suffolk Coastal) and Ben Gummer MP (Ipswich).

In each case we discussed with them what services the new rail operator in East Anglia ought to offer; and, more immediately, how to obtain the best possible interchange and connections at Ipswich from December, when the Lowestoft - London through trains are withdrawn.

Other issues discussed included work on Ipswich station lift; the proposed freight chord at Ipswich; disruptions to rail services because of engineering work; bus/rail integration especially in the Saxmundham area; the need to secure adequate funding for Beccles loop; and the future of Lowestoft bus and rail stations.

ESTA Chairman Trevor Garrod commented,"All three meetings were very useful and constructive and we look forward to continued dialogues with all the local MPs during the coming five years."