MIND THE GAP!

Eurostar put Ashford on the international rail map ... until Covid derailed services. But without a high-speed link to Kent, residents fear their economy is headed in one direction only

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ON DECEMBER 1, 1990, applause broke out as two men from nations that had been separated by the sea since the end of the last Ice Age, and had swung between working as allies and fighting as enemies for centuries, shook hands and exchanged flags.

Briton Graeme Fagg and French worker Philippe Cozette broke through a thin wall of chalk to create the Channel Tunnel, and the UK became physically linked with the continent of Europe once again. "I think that we're definitely moving closer and closer together," Mr Fagg said after the landmark moment. "I think we've got to, actually." Fast forward to today and that warm relationship has cooled once again, with Brexit triggering a period of tumultuous relations, which Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says he is working to heal.

But regardless of the back and forth, Eurostar railway services carried on, uniting Britain and France across the Channel from Kent to Normandy... until the Covid pandemic halted services to Ashford International and Ebbsfleet due to falling passenger numbers.

Five years on, Kent remains off the Eurostar map to the frustration of residents and local politicians. The company, which is majority owned by French rail provider SNCF, says the stops aren't viable but has promised to review the situation next year.

On Friday, Government ministers backed the leaders of Kent County Council, Medway Council and Ashford and Dartford borough councils in pushing for new train operators to enter the market to fill the Eurostar gap with a signed memorandum of agreement.

Four companies are said to be interested in launching services.

Speaking at the event, Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: "We all agree here that international rail services are hugely beneficial to the areas and communities they serve, providing sustainable, fast and convenient connections to Europe." He added that rail travel had "bounced back" since the pandemic.