Locals in Ashford, Kent, are eager for the Eurostar to return after five years, citing significant economic impact.
A French businessman lost over £1 million, as his digital company suffered since the station closed. He moved to Ashford decades ago, back when it seemed a great spot for European business. Council leaders say Kent businesses suffer and claim the lack of service impacts 30,000+ jobs.
People now must travel to London’s St Pancras Station, only to pass their disused local station along the way. It’s expensive and ironic, locals complain. Prime Minister Starmer wants Eurostar to stop in Kent again, which a local MP questioned him about recently.
Locals feel let down by Starmer’s response, since he said Eurostar ultimately decides. People want the government to pressure Eurostar and reopen the stations to help the town. Ashford residents call the station’s closure “crazy,” especially since the rail got a £10m upgrade in 2018.
A local resident named Giles wants Eurostar back. He says closing it felt sneaky during COVID since people couldn’t use the train after lockdown. Further, he states the Eurostar brought people and money here. Giles thinks competition could help and feels the government should prioritize this issue.
Green Party’s Steve Sitton says many businesses struggle including Ashford’s hospitality, hotel, and taxi industries. Fewer people now are able to visit Europe, greatly impacting hotels. Sitton, who owns a venue, sees the downturn as people once stayed overnight before Eurostar trips.
Sitton notes businesses moved here for transport, but that benefit is now gone. The station sits empty and feels tragic. He says the government talks about new investments too much. They should use what is already here.
Jean-Claude Cothias moved to Ashford 27 years ago, drawn by the European connections. His business now suffers without the station, complicating links to the continent. He says it doubled journey expense and travel time.
Cothias says his company lost clients and chances, costing them roughly £1 million. He wants the government to give Eurostar an ultimatum, requiring them to stop at all UK stations. Otherwise, he asserts new competitors should break up the monopoly.
Labour Councillor Diccon Spain agrees on the ultimatum. He thinks the government made a mistake selling its Eurostar stake. It sold 40%, earning £757.1m, in 2015. Spain insists reopening the stations is up to the government.
Spain says the platforms are ready and, compared to Heathrow’s expansion which may take until the 2030s, reopening these stations provides immediate chances. It would boost the economy and create jobs. Then, he suggests a British-owned train company too.
Councillor Spain wants the government to be proactive, stating businesses across Kent report impacts from the service suspension. He says 30,000 jobs have been affected by it. He wants the government to challenge Eurostar to help the region grow.
Charles Suddards shut his sweet shop post-pandemic. He partly blames the economic downturn, claiming the Eurostar’s absence further hurt business. He states it’s nonsense to have to travel to London and pass Ashford in order to travel.
Travel to Europe now means Dover delays. Locals avoid the Channel Tunnel too. Mayor Lyn Suddards hasn’t visited Paris, a city now closer than England’s Midlands.
Jillian Roth often used the Ashford Eurostar. She moved to Kent in 2009 to access Europe. She went to Paris for lunch frequently. She doesn’t get why the trains stopped.
Wendy, a local of 60 years, thinks the station should reopen. The station might be unused, but it’s not falling apart. People want the Eurostar service to return. Going to London before passing Ashford feels pointless, she adds.
Wendy also says the town centre is dying. Restarting the Eurostar would boost the town. Mike Simkins, a taxi driver, says business is down. The town suffers and should get the Eurostar back, he adds.
Ex-Eurostar CEO Damas blamed service suspension on not only Brexit, but also pandemic issues and inflation. Eurostar’s current CEO mentioned future reviews. She claimed Ashford served only 4% of passengers before COVID.
Cazenave says they met with Kent MPs recently and that Eurostar will keep talking to local leaders, as they value local connections. She said they prioritize core routes now. The company wants to invest and adapt to competition.
Cazenave highlighted St Pancras growth, noting passenger numbers at Ashford were flat. Eurostar will, however, look at reopening the Kent stations later. Discussions on infrastructure at St Pancras are in process and they want more connections eventually. Eurostar will engage while watching how things change.