Local rail users are invited to attend the AGM, which takes place at 7pm at the George Hotel in Rye.

Chairman Stuart Harland said: "One of the main topics of discussion will be the re-franchising of the line and we will be addressed by Sharon Hedges, Passenger Link Manager of Passenger Focus.

"Sharon is very involved in this process and is in discussions with the Department for Transport who will formally issue the franchise terms.
"At least two potential bidders for the franchise have accepted our invitation to attend and may be tempted to comment about their plans.
"The meeting is open to the public as well as members of MLAG."
In his annual report, Mr Harland said: "Marshlink has been very active on two main fronts:

To try to save the proposed reduction in train services from Ashford to the Continent and to put forward proposals for inclusion in the re-franchising of the Marshlink line.

"With regard to the link to the Continent, our case was put to Government, together with other interested groups, via meetings with local MPs and MEPs; with the Under Secretary of State for Transport; an on-line petition to 10 Downing Street; and delivery of our petition to 10 Downing Street.

"The end result, despite the overwhelming weight of our argument, was very substantial reductions in the Eurostar service from Ashford.
"We now have no trains direct to Brussels, a much reduced service to Paris and concerns on the on-going viability of Ashford as an international station.

"The first round of the argument on the future of Ashford station was lost but there will be another fight to be had in the near future and we must put as much energy into that fight.

"With regard to the re-franchising of the MarshLink line, the existing franchise ends in November 2009 and the Department for Transport has produced a schedule for receiving comment from interested parties, preparing its franchise and then seeking and evaluating proposals from potential franchisees.

"The full text of MLAG's submission can be seen on our website – www.mlag.org.uk. In summary, the key items raised were:

• Improved connection times at Ashford
• Increased passenger capacity
• Restoration of service to Winchelsea, Three Oaks and Doleham.
• Late evening services east of Hastings

"As soon as practicable we would like to see two trains per hour between Ashford and Hastings; service improvements resulting from electrification between Ashford and Hastings and faster journey times between Ashford and Brighton."