CAMPAIGN TO SAVE ASHFORD EUROSTAR LAUNCHED

2.35.01pm GMT Mon 30th Oct 2006

Sharon Bowles MEP leading the demonstration outside Ashford International Station

Lib Dem Euro-MP for South East England, Sharon Bowles led a protest last Friday against the cuts to the Eurostar service in Ashford. At the demonstration, Sharon took the opportunity to launch a new campaign website, www.saveashfordinternational.org.uk which gives residents of the South East a chance to have their say on the cuts.

Eurostar staff have told Sharon that they understand the international service will be totally withdrawn from Ashford once Eurostar opens a new terminal at Ebbsfleet, near Dartford. Sharon has been deeply concerned by these rumours, and is asking Eurostar's Management for a public assurance that they will retain their operation in Ashford.

Sharon said "If Eurostar withdraw international services from Ashford it will have a disastrous impact on the economy of the area. They have already announced they are cutting the service to Brussels from Ashford completely, and now we fear for the future of the Paris line."

"Eurostar must come clean on their plans, and make a firm commitment to South East residents that the new station in Ebbsfleet will compliment rather than replace Ashford. I would urge anyone who uses Eurostar from Ashford, or who has been affected positively by Eurostar's presence here, to visit my website and sign the petition to save this service."

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