On 8 January 1996, the UK's second Eurostar station opened - Ashford International Station. It heralded a new era in international rail travel for Ashford and East Kent passengers.
Its opening came after an 18-month, £80million construction project, which had started in June 1994, to transform the town's station into 'Ashford International'. Two new platforms were built for domestic trains to replace those used by Eurostar.
29 years on the group behind the ‘Bring Back Eurostar Campaign’ want to see them return, in time for its 30th anniversary.
The group, which comprises key voices from the public and private sector, including Ashford Borough Council, Kent County Council, Kent and Medway Economic Partnership, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Locate in Kent and Visit Kent, have been campaigning since they stopped in 2020, which Eurostar originally blamed on a combination of financial concerns and post-Brexit red tape.
Cllr Noel Ovenden, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: “On the 29th anniversary of Eurostar services arriving in Ashford, we are demanding their return as we begin the count down to 30 years. We will not give up. Our fight continues, and we are making a strong case to both Eurostar and the Government.
“Ashford has a station that is perfectly equipped to serve international rail passengers, with decades of significant investment in infrastructure. There is a clear and growing demand from residents and businesses across the south-east region.
“Services at Ashford International Station are vital—not only for local businesses and travellers but also for securing future commercial investments, supporting the wider tourism industry, and driving economic growth throughout the south-east. It’s time for these services to be restored”.
Photo credit: iStock
