Rail Services in Kent
Posted by Damian Green, MP for Ashford, at 09:53, Wed 14 June 2006:
I received a very disturbing answer from the Transport Secretary yesterday to a question about whether services on existing lines would be cut when the Channel Tunnel Rail Link is finished. I asked for a guarantee that this would not lead to cuts in existing services, especially to smaller stations, and he said
"We are not in the business of carting fresh air around the countryside....we face challenging decisions at times."
I find this answer very ominous.
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Posted by Jon Heuch, 18:29, Sat 23 September 2006: (Is this post abusive?) #
I believe you were asking questions about domestic services and had no idea that Eurostar was about to pull the plug on Ashford. Whilst it is difficult for me to justify a train service to Brussels just for my occasional use, I have used this service on a number of occasions and found it very convenient. The need to drive 30 miles in the opposite direction to Ebbsfleet is a big psychological blow to Ashford's future. If we do manage to get some reversion of the change I hope there will be greater efforts to attract businesses to Ashford and surrounding areas that use the continental train service. I fear however that now Eurostar has shown its cards it will be very difficult to attract such businesses knowing that Eurostar can do what it likes with impunity. with regards Jon Heuch
Posted by Damian Green, 18:26, Fri 29 September 2006: (Is this post abusive?) #
I was indeed--this question came before the announcement about Eurostar services. I think the withdrawal of the Brussels service is a blow to Ashford and will be pursuing the issue with Ministers.