Noel Ovenden, leader of Ashford Borough Council, says restoring the service “isn’t just about the convenience” of shorter journeys to Paris and Brussels.
“It’s about bringing back the magic of opportunity, adventure and connection that has shaped our town for three decades,” he says.
“Reopening international services would save our residents and businesses around £16.5 million a year, inject over £500 million annually into the visitor economy, and unlock billions in wider growth.”
It is believed it would cost about £4m to revive the international arm of the station, which currently only operates domestic routes.