New High Speed service for Deal and Sandwich
Passengers from Sandwich and Deal will be able to enjoy a new High Speed Rail Service from this autumn and follows in the footsteps of a service being provided by Southeastern to Sandwich for the duration of The Open this summer.
Vince Lucas, service delivery director Southeastern said, “We’re pleased to be able to provide these new services which will help to improve the transport links to East Kent and benefit the people of Sandwich and Deal.”
The new service is being provided with the support of Kent County Council and it is hoped it will boost business confidence and support new employment opportunities in the area at the same time as Pfizer withdraws from its Sandwich site.
The new service will provide three High Speed trains to London in the morning leaving Sandwich at 0551, 0617 and 0647 and calling at Deal 5 minutes later. Trains will return from St Pancras at 1740 and 1840. The anticipated journey time will be 90 minutes.
KCC Leader and Chairman of the Sandwich Economic Development Task Force Paul Carter stated, "Journey times to Sandwich and Deal will be slashed by the introduction of this new High Speed service which will provide an immediate boost to business and job prospects in the area and has long been called for by local residents.
"We've worked closely with Southeastern, local MPs and Dover District Council to secure the service at minimum cost. At a time of exceptional need for the area with the exit of Pfizer in 2012, we were determined to provide new high speed links which would support local businesses and attract new investment into the area. It's great news and a real boost to Sandwich and Deal.”
"KCC has pump-primed the service and it is now up to local businesses and residents to take full advantage of this new service.
“As service use grows the potential to extend it to provide a full timetable throughout the day will be a real possibility which will boost local business prospects still further."
Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke added, "I have campaigned hard for this rail upgrade and worked closely with KCC. I am delighted that High Speed trains will now stop at Sandwich and Deal.
"KCC has done a great job in cracking this deal which has long been called for by local residents and will be a real boost for local business."
MP for Thanet South and Sandwich Economic Development Task Force member Laura Sandys concluded, "Pfizer's announcement in February to leave Sandwich by the end of 2012 was a massive blow and we have been doing all we can to bring new employment opportunities to the area.
"This new high speed service is a tremendous incentive for new investment and business to locate here and great news for local people."
Source: South Eastern Trains
