45,000 sign petition for Eurostar to reinstate Ashford stop

A petition calling for the reinstatement of Eurostar services from Ashford International Station in Kent has been signed by over 45,000 people.

There are a large number of people calling for services to stop again at Ashford, with a survey completed by over 600 businesses and many local council and business leaders also adding their support to the campaign.

Last month Ashford MP Damian Green raised the issue in the House of Commons. Campaign and instigated a debate on international rail services in Kent, which received support from Minister of State for Rail at the Department for Transport Huw Merriman, and MPs from across Kent, East Sussex and South London.

For anyone who wishes to see Eurostar trains stopping once more at Ashford, the online petition is still open or to get more involved email info@bringbackeurotrains.com.

The petition to bring Eurostar services back to Ashford began in March and continues to gain support. The group behind the “Bring Back Eurotrains” petition said: “It's great to see the number of people who have got behind this petition, which is a clear indication of the demand from people across the South East for international train services from Kent's two existing international stations.

“The Bring Back Eurotrains group is regularly contacted by residents in Kent and beyond who have been affected by the loss of this service and are concerned about the impact this is having on the region's economy.

“We hope that we can help provide a collective voice for the residents and show any international rail service provider the substantial opportunities of running services that link the regional hub stations of Ashford and Ebbsfleet to Calais, Lille, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and beyond.”

Leader of Ashford Borough Council, Cllr Noel Ovenden, said: “Rail services at Ashford International Station are not only important for existing businesses and travellers, but they are also important for our future commercial investments.

“Significant investment has been made over the last 25 years in infrastructure to ensure international services are able to operate to support business and leisure travel to Europe, so it is imperative that the benefits of this investment are realised through services returning.

“With the valuable support of local residents and businesses, we will continue our fight to bring Eurostar services back.”

Kent County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Neil Baker, said: “We are really pleased with the response we have had to our survey so far. In order to build the best case possible, we have an ambition to hear from many more business and trade leaders affected by the lack of international rail services. If you are involved in the running of a business then please take part in our survey to make sure you have your say.”

Leader of Dartford Borough Council, Jeremy Kite, said: “It's vital that international rail services return to Ebbsfleet and Ashford. We need this unique infrastructure to get back up and running in Kent and we're grateful to all of the businesses that have responded so far. If you haven't had a chance yet, please do make sure you have your say by the end of December.”