Eurostar rules out resuming Kent stops before 2026

Eurostar has said it will not reinstate stopping services at Kent stations until at least 2026.

Rail services linking the UK to Europe have not stopped at purpose-built stations at Ashford or Ebbsfleet since March 2020.

A Eurostar spokesperson, who said the service would not resume in Kent in 2024 or 2025, added: "There is no short-term prospect of re-opening."

Steve Sitton, who owns the Coachworks event space in Ashford, said: "A lot of businesses chose to be here because of the Eurostar services. A lot of people moved here because of the Eurostar services."

Eurostar plans to meet with local businesses to hear their concerns.

It said it will also continue to work "closely and openly" with local councils on the future of the Kent stations.

A petition to bring the services back to Ashford and Ebbsfleet has gained almost 60,000 signatures.

Keith Hillier-Palmer, who started the petition, said: "What both business people and tourists strongly object to is the need to travel up to London first, only to return through Ashford on their way to the continent."

Waseem Saiyad, deputy general manager at the Hilton Hotel, in Ashford, said the services resuming would be a "boost" for the town.

“It will help transform many places around here.”

A Kent County Council survey on the closures has received hundreds of responses from businesses, with nearly all calling for a return of Eurostar's services.

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

Ashford MP Sojan Joseph said the Eurostar was a "huge boost" to the region's economy.

"My Labour colleagues and I in the South East will be supporting any measures put forward by the Labour government to see the Eurostar stop at Ashford again."

Dartford MP Jim Dickson said it was "vital" for the future of the international station and the community that services were restored "as soon as possible".

Ashford Borough Council leader Noel Ovenden said: “We will not give up on this and will continue to make the case for their return."

Janine Buzatu, who runs the Ye Olde Leather Bottle pub, in Northfleet, Gravesend, said she did not even know the international services had stopped.

She did not think business near Ebbsfleet International Station would be impacted if the services resumed.

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