Shepway Welcomes High Speed Service

Representatives from across Shepway were in London to mark the launch of the High Speed Service from London St Pancras.

The new service, which links London and Folkestone, means that Shepway is now only 54 minutes away from London.

Shepway's representatives who included Cllr Robert Bliss, Leader of the Council and Cllr Susan Carey, Chairman of the Council, were present at the Southeastern Launch party which was attended by Lord Adonis, Secretary of State for Transport. In addition to this both members of the council were also at a special stand set up on the St Pancras concourse which promoted Folkestone as a destination to visit and live.

Commuters using the station had their eyes caught by a grand display promoting the low house prices in the Shepway area, as well as the areas of outstanding beauty and culture. They were also handed specially made ‘goodie bags' filled with information about Folkestone. More than 250 bags and hundreds of flyers were given out to very receptive commuters in the space of about three hours.

Cllr Robert Bliss said "today has been really successful; we've given out over 250 promotional bags that portray Folkestone and Shepway as an excellent place to live and visit. We are sure that we've ignited some interest from these busy London commuters and raised awareness about Folkestone."

Members of Shepway Council and volunteers from Discover Folkestone and two local hotels were at St Pancras on the 14 December handing out information.