57,000 sign petition to reinstate suspended Eurostar Kent services

Eurostar may be forced to reinstate services to Ebbsfleet and Ashford stations because of the threat of competition from Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, Dutch company Heuro, and Spain’s Evolyn.

That is the wish of Kent County and Ashford Borough Councils, whose petition to restore services to the international stations (they have been suspended for four years) has reached 57,000 signatures.

Eurostar claims that 2026 is the earliest date it will consider calling again at the international platforms.

Ashford Council Leader Noel Overden said: “The local strength of feeling is clearly reflected by recent meetings and the petition, which we welcome. The prospect that Eurostar is not likely to return anytime soon represents a real challenge for residents and businesses. It’s nonsensical to have to travel via London.”

Total passenger business at Ashford International (currently Southern and Southeastern) is only three-quarters of the pre-pandemic 2019 level, and there is frustration at the lack of Eurostar use for platforms that were extended at a cost of £80 million for the first ‘local’ services through the Channel Tunnel in June 2007.

Ebbsfleet station, serving Dartford and Gravesend, cost £180m.