Cllr Paul Clokie, Leader of Ashford Borough Council and Chairman of the Ashford’s Future Partnership Board, has welcomed Eurostar’s decision to reinstate direct services from Ashford to Brussels.

He said: “I am delighted that Eurostar has listened to the concerns of rail users and responded to what is clearly a strong demand.

"Having a direct service to Brussels will be a massive boost not only to the development of Ashford but to the regeneration of Kent and other parts of the South East.

"Coupled with high-speed domestic rail services to London launching in 2009, this will do much to strengthen Ashford as best placed in Britain for new and international companies to set up business.”

Damian Green, MP for Ashford, added: “I want to thank everyone who joined our campaign.  Having a Brussels-Ashford link is essential for regeneration in Ashford and will increase Ashford’s ability to attract new business and jobs to the region.

"It will also make Ashford more attractive to inward investors, which is good for the town and good for Kent. This is good news for everyone.”

For further details please see the Eurostar website.

Media Release 0204/08

31/07/2008