Virgin trains set to run international services

VIRGIN Trains is on track to run services through the Channel Tunnel to Europe after its bid to share Eurostar's east London depot was approved.

- By Neil Lancefield

Office of Rail and Road regulators have allowed Sir Richard Branson's company to use the Temple Mills site for maintaining and storing trains.

The billionaire yesterday vowed to "bring some Virgin magic" to the route, with trains due to start in 2030.

Depot access is critical for a firm to challenge Eurostar as Temple Mills is the only site accessible from HS1, the line between London and the tunnel.

Eurostar has run the link's sole passenger service since it opened in 1994.

Virgin still needs to win approval for issues such as track access and safety.

Sir Richard, 75, said: "The ORR's decision is the right one for consumers. It's time to end this 30-year monopoly and bring some Virgin magic to the cross-Channel route.