EUROSTAR CUTS DEPLORED

The decision to cut some services from Ashford has come as a consequence of the re-direction of services via St Pancras and the new Ebbsfleet stations.

It was only last December that Sussex welcomed the introduction of an hourly Southern service from Brighton to Ashford.

This was hailed as a great development for the south-east, permitting towns and villages in the region to have a simple direct route to the continent.

Mr Baker is particularly angry as the decision on the part of Eurostar seems to have been taken and implemented with no consultation period whatsoever.

Said Mr Baker: 'I am very unhappy about the manner in which Eurostar has announced its plans to reduce services at Ashford.

'This decision is regrettable and will hurt those of my constituents who use Ashford to access Paris and Brussels, particularly for business purposes.

'I have spent a long time campaigning, in the end successfully, for a direct local Southern service from Lewes and Polegate to Ashford.

'These trains are now regularly full with passengers, many travelling to Ashford.

'This proposed cut is a big blow our area and will hit the confidence of people that the rail industry can deliver a joined-up operation.'

Mr Baker has written to Eurostar's chief executive to ask for a meeting and to urge him to reconsider the plans.'