Media centre

Friday 20 Mar 2009

A NEW ERA FOR FOLKESTONE HARBOUR

Region & Route:

| Southern

The completion of £1.4 million upgrade to Folkestone West station signals the end of an era for the branch line between Folkestone East and Folkestone Harbour.

The branch line has not been available for normal domestic train services for a number of years, is now only used by around 30 Orient Express services between London Victoria and Folkestone Harbour and a small number of other rail-tour special services each year. Over the years, the condition of the railway has deteriorated, and although Network Rail has maintained it in a safe condition, the line is now in need of a major upgrade to bring it up to modern standards.

After considering various options for the future of the line and following consultation and agreement with the Department for Transport, the train operators and other local stakeholders, Network Rail will begin the formal process to close the line. The closure will not affect any normal domestic rail services.

Andrew Munden, Network Rail's route director for Kent said: "We understand the history of this route and the proposed closure is not something we have taken lightly. The main factor behind our decision is the disproportionate cost of keeping this railway line running safely for such a small number of trains. It just wouldn't be a sensible use of the limited funds we have to manage the rail network nationally, let alone in Kent where 2,150 trains run per day.

"With the agreement of the owners of the Orient Express service, we have significantly upgraded the facilities at Folkestone West station so this unique train can continue to operate."

The new facilities at Folkestone West include high-quality waiting facilities and toilets for Orient Express passengers. These are all fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act, making the service much more accessible to those with reduced mobility.

The closure of Folkestone Harbour station and the branch line would also bring benefits for the community. A number of proposals exist to redevelop the area around Folkestone Harbour station. However, many of these could only realise their full potential once the land currently occupied by the railway is made available. At the moment, it is occupied by a station which brings no benefits for local people as it does not receive a domestic train service.