Ashford International Station investment to create 1000 new jobs

The European Commission will co-fund the state-of-the-art signalling equipment at Ashford International Station.

This major investment is set to create thousands of local jobs and secure Ashford’s place on the international rail map.

The Commission has agreed to fund half the £4m project, with the remaining cost to be provided by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership.

Without investing in the new signalling equipment, Ashford wouldn’t be able to cater for modern international trains. However, the new signals will now enable the town to be incorporated as international rail routes expand.

As well as securing up to 1,000 jobs already based in Ashford, the investment will create a further 1,000 jobs through the continued growth of Ashford and the new access to international services.

Matthew Balfour, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “This is fantastic news for Ashford, Kent and the wider South East economy because it means we will continue to have direct rail access to continental Europe.

“I’m delighted that months of hard work to address this crucial issue has paid-off. This signalling upgrade will ensure that Ashford continues to be served by international rail services, and opens the way for other operators to develop through services to Europe in the future.”

Cllr Gerry Clarkson, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, added: “This is very good news, not only for Ashford, but the whole of the South East.

“The co-funding will enable the next generation of Eurostar trains to continue to stop at Ashford International Station, and make it easier to stop in Ashford for any new operator on the market, something which is important to our growing reputation as the UK’s international town.

“Ashford is one of the most connected places in the UK, not only are we 38 minutes from London, we also have direct international connections to Paris, Brussels, Lille, Marseille, Lyon and Avignon, therefore the announcement is very welcome.”

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