High speed future proving bright for east Kent
Comments |
by Sam Lennon
Government minister Jonathan Shaw has learned that the new high
speed rail link has provided a 'quantum leap' for east Kent’s
economy.
The Minister for the South East was told this when he met local
business people in Folkestone on Thursday
Geoff Miles, businessman and chairman of the East Kent Local
Strategic Partnership,. said: "High Speed 1 is a quantum leap for
East Kent’s economy.
"It gives the area the fastest rail service in Britain, which
will help our businesses open up new markets and become more
productive.
"It’s now up to business and local and central government to
show imagination and determination to insuring that High Speed 1
delivers long-term economic dividends for East Kent."
Mr Shaw, after a meeting with business people and senior council
representative, said: "This new services present huge opportunities
for East Kent, both for commuters and the economy, in terms of
investment and tourism.
"It brings closer connections between the area and London and so
further opens up East Kent for business.It makes the area more
attractive for inward investment.
"This is the first stage of the Government’s wider plan to
create high speed rail links across the whole county."
Mr Shaw met business people and leading figures, such as Shepway
council leader and Robert Bliss and deputy leader David Monk at the
Quarterhouse in Tontine Street.
He added: "Opportunities such as our meeting today are
invaluable in helping me to really understand the issues people are
facing so I can feed our unique South East perspective into the
government’s decision making nationally."
The full high speed service, going from Dover, Folkestone and
Ashford to London St Pancras, began last month.
The trains travel at 140mph and go from Ashford to London in 37
minutes.
Thursday, January 21 2010
The KM Group does not moderate comments.
Please click here for our house rules.