CROWHURST TO BEXHILL WEST OLD TRACKBED TOUR DVD 2009

Dumpman Films set out on a thorough trek along the disused track bed of this line in January and March 2009.

At the time of filming, there was every indication that the long disputed bypass (the Bexhill to Hastings link road) would be built across the stunning Coombe Haven Valley, bisecting the old railway line just north of the site of the old viaduct before joining the course of the track bed from Sidley down to the A259. This was a huge inspiration was to get out there and capture these images before they were wiped from the landscape forever and replaced by noisy congestion.

Starting at Crowhurst station and then thoroughly working down the track bed, every aspect remaining is examined. See the site of the 17 arch 417 yard viaduct that was blown up in 1969 and get views from both ends; a quick nose through the undergrowth shows piles of bricks remaining that were not removed by demolition contractor. Foundations on the valley floor that would have supported the structure are also featured.

South west of the viaduct sees the track converted into a bridleway, whereupon the course of the line is followed by bike, hopping off occasionally to film the underside of bridges. Heading towards a deep cutting on the outskirts of Sidley, the point where the then proposed new link road was to end up joining the track is speculated upon. Particular attention is paid to bridges from this point on as some were to be demolished to create space for the new road. The grand three arch bridge that serves Glover's Farm is a particularly good example, although this one was spared and remains over the new road.

Arriving at the north end of Sidley station having travelled the deep cutting, a thorough nose around the site is carried out. Close ups of the threatened road bridge, views of the site of the station building at road level and numerous shots of the filled in platform areas are included. Perhaps more exciting is finding evidence of the old footbridge that used to serve the platforms by rummaging around on the steep, eastern bank. Brick remains that used to surround the waiting rooms are seen. Footage from 2006 is also included, showing Sidley goods shed before it was demolished.

South of Sidley, the track bed turned into a superb, green corridor running through the middle of an urban area. This is followed doggedly down as far as the A259 where a junction was to be formed with the link road. A few awkward to access sights are enjoyed along the way.

Having appreciated where the large, steel bridge that carried the line over the A259 and Down Road would have been, the track runs through what is now Beeching Road Industrial Estate towards the terminus at Bexhill West station. A visit inside the station building was made possible by the generosity of the then current residents and numerous original features remain. Also on the station site, the loco shed remains, at least in part, despite being partially re-clad to make it usable as a current day industrial unit.

Maps seen at the end of the film indicate where the railway used to run and also where the route of the new Bexhill to Hastings Link Road is planned to be.

Running time: 3 hours 10 minutes (3 x dvd).