Calls grow for Eurostar to return to Kent

Five years have passed since Eurostar stopped running services in Kent, and many residents are asking for the trains to return. Jean-Claude Cothias, who moved to Ashford from France 27 years ago, is one of those concerned. He feels the lack of Eurostar service has made the town less appealing. Cothias said he is now thinking about moving his business away due to this loss. A petition to bring back Eurostar services has gained 61,000 signatures. Eurostar previously stated that only a small percentage of passengers used the stops at Ashford and Ebbsfleet. Services were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not resumed since. The company cited financial difficulties from the pandemic and a priority to upgrade major city stations as reasons for not returning to Kent. Travelers in Kent must now travel to London to board Eurostar. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed interest in restoring services to Ashford and placed the decision in Eurostar's hands. Meanwhile, the closure has affected the economy on both sides of the English Channel. Artus Galiay, a representative for northern France, highlighted the economic impact on the tourism and hospitality sectors. Ashford Borough Council invested significantly in the international station, making its closure surprising for local leaders. Council leader Noel Ovenden urged the need for the station to be reopened quickly to benefit the local economy. Eurostar statistics show that only a small fraction of their passengers came from Ashford and Ebbsfleet. Still, they have ambitious growth plans, including new trains and station upgrades. The company will review services to Kent next year, but reopening will require substantial investment in infrastructure and border resources.