Kent Eurostar services petition backed by 40,000

Services have not stopped in Kent since 2020

More than 40,000 people have now signed a petition calling for Eurostar stops in Kent to be reinstated.

Services have not stopped in the county, at either Ashford or Ebbsfleet, since 2020, initially due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ashford Borough Council leader Noel Ovenden said services at Ashford International Station were "not only important for existing businesses and travellers, but also important for our future commercial investments".

Eurostar confirmed its Kent stations would remain closed throughout December and 2024.

"We will provide an update should anything change regarding this," it added.

The company has previously cited financial factors and the post-Brexit border situation as reasons for the Kent services not being immediately restored.

The group behind the 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.

“The group is regularly contacted by residents in Kent and beyond who are concerned about the impact this is having on the region’s economy.

Mr Ovenden said: "Significant investment has been made over the last 25 years in infrastructure to ensure international services are able to operate, so it is imperative that the benefits of this investment are realised through services returning."

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