Wine industry calls for Kent Eurostar resumption

The wine industry in Kent has joined calls for the reintroduction of Eurostar services stopping in the county.

Rail services linking the UK to Europe have not stopped at purpose-built stations at Ashford or Ebbsfleet since March 2020.

Graham Barbour, owner of Woodchurch Vineyard, said: "Everyone in the tourism and hospitality industry knows how important the Eurostar service in Kent was and would be again if it reopened."

Eurostar said it was committed to "an open, transparent, and ongoing dialogue about the future of operations at Kent stations".

The rail company has said it would not reinstate stopping services at Ashford International and Ebbsfleet stations until at least 2026.

Business leaders in Kent have backed calls for Eurostar to return to the county.

Woodchurch Vineyard is a small business with just under 10 acres of land.

They welcome people on tours throughout the year from around the world.

Approximately 50% of their income comes from tours and wine tasting.

Mr Barbour said: "It's really important for us to get as many people into the county as possible so they can enjoy our hospitality and hopefully take some wine away with them.

"The terminal opening in Ashford again would give the impression from a marketing point of view of Kent becoming a real hub for international travel."

Chapel Down, near Tenterden, is one of the largest producers of English wine.

Josh Donaghay-Spire, head winemaker, said: "We welcome the reopening of the Eurostar terminal at Ashford because it would allow more people from the continent to visit us.

"As we get bigger and our wines get better we want to tell that story more widely and more globally.

"There is absolutely no reason to rush through Kent. It is a destination in itself."

A Eurostar spokesperson said: "We will need to closely assess the impact of the EU's new Entry-Exit System (EES) which will require a focused allocation of resources at our busiest stations, particularly for French border controls, to ensure a smooth and efficient experience for our passengers."

"We have longstanding and positive relationships with local communities, councils, and businesses in Kent, and we are committed to maintaining open lines of communication as we move forward."

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