South East MEP Nirj Deva today (Thursday) hit out at the decision of Eurostar bosses to restrict the number of trains scheduled to run from Ashford International railway station.

In a bizarre move, Eurostar has scrapped the Ashford to Lille service which currently takes around on hour meaning that passengers will now have to change at Paris for service.   All services to Brussels and off-peak services will be abolished. 

The South East MEP said:

“This is a major blow for southern Kent.  Many individuals and businesses across the country rely upon this convenient and extremely fast service to reach Paris, Brussels and Lille.

“Whilst I welcome the new terminal at Ebbsfleet and the benefits it will bring to the north of the country one can only conclude that south of the county will be greatly disadvantaged by the thirty five mile journey to Ebbsfleet.

“It is vital that Eurostar reverse this decision and maintain, even at a reduced rate, the Ashford to Brussels service.”

Deva has written to the Chief Executive of Eurostar, Richard Brown, calling upon him to reverse his decision and maintain the frequency of rail services at Ashford International.  Please find the letter below.

ENDS

The new train daily train services provided from Ashford International are as follows:

• Ashford to Paris - 3 trains instead of 6
• Ashford to Brussels - service discontinued
• Ashford to Disneyland Resort Paris train retained
• Ebbsfleet to Paris - 7 services
• Ebbsfleet to Brussels and Lille - 5 trains

Text of letter from Nirj Deva DL MEP to Richard Brown, Chief Executive of Eurostar:

Richard Brown
Chief Executive
Eurostar
Eurostar House
Waterloo Station
London
SE1 8SE

Dear Richard,

I am writing to express my grave concern and deep regret at the decision of Eurostar to abolish the Ashford International to Brussels service and reduce services to France.

Many individuals and businesses across Kent – an area with many Economic Development Areas - rely upon this convenient and extremely fast service to reach the continent. 

The cutbacks to services to France and abolition of services to Brussels will do much to hamper the economic growth of the south of the county, in particular its attractiveness to domestic and foreign investors.

Whilst I appreciate that the north of the county is set to benefit from a new terminal at Ebbsfleet, I would urge you to reconsider your decision to entirely abolish the Brussels service from Ashford international and would hope you would consider providing even a reduced service. 

Thank you, in advance, for your consideration of my comments.

Kind regards,