Eurostar train spotted despite Kent suspension

Cross-Channel service called at town for training exercise

A Eurostar train has been spotted calling at Ashford International - but unfortunately for travellers it was not a timetabled service.

The train was at the station as part of a training exercise for drivers of the cross-Channel trains which run between London and cities in Europe.

No trains are expected to run from Ashford or Ebbsfleet until 2023 at the earliest, after the direct links from Kent to the continent were scrapped as a result of reduced demand during the pandemic.

The continued delay to the return of direct international train services from the county has been branded “bad news for Kent” by a senior Ashford councillor and been criticised by the town’s MP.

Speaking when Eurostar confirmed there would be no services in 2022, Ashford MP Damian Green said: “I have discussed reopening Ashford’s

international services with Eurostar, and there is no disguising that this is a very disappointing announcement.”

Last month a candidate standing in this year’s French parliamentary elections called on Eurostar to restore direct services from Kent at the earliest opportunity.

Artus Galiay, who is running in June’s elections to the National Assembly for the centre-right Les Républicains, said the return of timetabled trains to and from Ashford and Ebbsfleet is crucial for economic recovery on both sides of the Channel.

Asked about its latest plans

for the county, a spokesman for Eurostar said: “Our Kent stations will remain closed throughout 2022.

“As the business continues its recovery, we need to focus on core destinations where demand is highest.

“We will review the decision towards the end of this year.”

A Eurostar train at Ashford International during a driver training exercise last Wednesday; bosses say they will review whether to return to the county later this year