Ashford International saved!

1.01.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 31st Jul 2008

Sharon joining local campaigners to save Ashford International

Sharon celebrates success in the campaign to save Ashford international.

Sharon is celebrating after Eurostar announced that a daily direct service will resume between Ashford International, in Kent, and Brussels. Eurostar bosses said that following a review of traveller demand the service will be resumed from 14 December.

Ashford lost all of its direct services to Brussels, and some to Paris, following the opening of the new Ebbsfleet International station.

Sharon has been tirelessly campaigning against the removal of these services for the last two years. Last July she joined a delegation of campaigners to present a 15, 000 strong petition to Downing Street. She also launched the 'Save Ashford International' website.

Sharon said:

"This is fantastic news. I have received hundreds of petitions and letters from people infuriated by the loss of services. People had felt very deeply about this issue.

"Not only had commuters lost an important European link, the service had been valuable to Ashford's local economy.

"We took this fight to Eurostar management and the Government. I am glad that they have listened to what Kent and Sussex residents think

"I would like to thank everyone who supported this campaign. This is a good day for Kent in Europe."