Brothers Andy and nick Stevens have invested in Platform 1 at Deal station

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Two brothers are on track to serve up cuppas, smiles and jobs at a new station cafe.

Andy and Nick Stevens have invested in Platform 1, a new venture at Deal station designed to please early-morning passengers rushing for their train without time for breakfast.

Local resident and journalist Andy and brother Nick, a Hawkinge-based PR consultant in travel, tourism and transport, have teamed up to invest in the project.

It is due to open in the spring and is expected to create up to eight jobs. Deal-based Morgan Construction is carrying out the work.

The service on the London-bound platform aims to play a significant role in increasing passenger numbers using the early-morning high-speed and mainline services.

It supports the campaign by Trains4Deal to attract more high-speed services.

"A further major incentive to provide this facility for Deal train users is that there is no on-board catering service on high speed trains while on standard trains a trolley service is only available from Ashford," they said.

Serving a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and selection of newspapers, Platform 1 will initially open Monday to Friday from 5.30am to 5.30pm, on Saturdays from 8.00am to 5.30pm.

Subject to demand, the brothers say they might extend opening hours.

They added: "We are excited and confident in this new project and delighted to be contributing to the current business boom Deal is experiencing.

"It is recognised as an increasingly popular town to visit and reside in, with many new investors purchasing second or main home properties, linked to the added attraction of fast train services to and from the capital."