The official opening of St Pancras International station by Her Majesty the Queen and the launch of High Speed 1, the UK’s first high-speed railway, brings the reality of high-speed domestic services to and from London in 37 minutes one step closer for Ashford.

This week’s opening will see St Pancras International become a hub for domestic and international services. Six of the station’s 15 platforms will serve international Eurostar services bound for Ebbsfleet, Ashford and the continent and three will serve the new high-speed domestic services to Kent due to start in December 2009.

Cllr Paul Clokie, chairman of the Ashford’s Future partnership, welcomed the launch and said: “Today marks a milestone in bringing high-speed rail services to Ashford. This will revolutionise journey times for domestic passengers as well as those travelling internationally via Eurostar.

“Journey times from Ashford to London will be halved to just 37 minutes. This will not only benefit commuters but also local companies wanting good access to customers in the capital. The improved links to London signal a bright future for Ashford and will further improve its attractiveness as a place in which businesses choose to invest.”

Media Release 0358/07

6/11/2007