Hundreds have already signed a petition saying they are unhappy with changes to train services by rail firm Southern which will come in to effect mid-December.

Their complaints centre around Southern's decision to shuffle the times of evening services from London Bridge to Eastbourne, including axing the 5.45pm service and putting in its place a train at 5.23pm.

Now the protesters are challenging Southern's managing director Chris Burchell over comments that the company's research indicates the loss of one train from Victoria during the peak travel period will benefit many more passengers than will be disadvantaged.

Disgruntled commuter Belinda Fordham questioned Mr Burchell's logic and added, "We wish to know when this research was undertaken, over what period of time, what time of day and the passenger numbers and services covered.

"We would like to understand what consultation has taken place which includes representation from our areas and would ask Southern to provide a synopsis of the research behind these changes and details of any prior consultation that took place with the relevant passenger representative bodies and the Department for Transport.

"The loss of one train from London Victoria to Eastbourne, Seaford and Hastings during the evening peak travel period, while in itself a huge inconvenience for many, is only part of a wider and more serious reduction in the level of service previously enjoyed by commuters.

"The removal of the 5.17pm, 5.53pm and 6.18pm services and their replacement by trains at 5.36pm and 6.06pm will mean longer overall journey times and inevitably more crowded trains.

"For those of us who have to commute across London to reach Victoria, the earlier train at 5.36pm is simply not a viable option."

The commuters are also adding their weight to a campaign being organised by the Polegate Conservative Association against the 10.4 per cent fare increase to be introduced by Southern from January next year.

Ms Fordham added, "It would be difficult to justify such a massive increase even in normal times, but in the present economic climate, and in the light of the issues outlined above, it is quite simply wholly inappropriate."

Claims have also been made this week that residents locally were being treated as second class citizens.

Liberal Democrat Andy Watkins, who represents Alfriston and Berwick on Wealden District Council, condemned the changes being made by Southern Rail to the services between London and Eastbourne.

He said, "Once again the residents of this area have been treated as second class citizens. Those of us who have commuted to London over many years know full well that there has been a long history of neglect of our services and clearly once again priority has been given again to the Brighton main line.

"The reduction in trains and their new timings has all to do with how they fit in to the improved Brighton services rather than providing a decent service for local residents.

"This decision will result in poorly timed services, more overcrowding and longer journeys. It really does make me wonder whether those responsible for these changes have ever had to squeeze on to a packed peak hour train and whether they care at all about customer service.

"The time has come for commuters and residents to join together to make it very clear to Southern and the Government these changes are not acceptable and we demand we are treated equally with those on the Brighton main line."