Tunnel Vision for Korean Delegation

A group of Korean visitors came to Folkestone on Wednesday (30 June) for a lowdown on the impact of the Channel Tunnel on Folkestone and Kent.

Eight researchers from the Market Economy Research Institute from Korea (MERI), and other researchers from the Peace and Unification Foundation were greeted by Cllr Susan Carey, Chairman of Shepway District Council, which hosted the visit.

The Korean Embassy has requested the meeting give the delegates an insight into the tunnel's impact as they research the feasibility of similar link between South Korea and Japan.

Jeremy Whittaker, Shepway District Council Economic and Regeneration Manager and Mick Sutch, Head of Planning and Transport Strategy at Kent County Council, outlined the tunnel's effects on local tourism, ferry industry and jobs.

They cited the decline in the ferry link between Folkestone and Boulogne, the loss of the ferry port Sheerness, a reduction in the service from Ramsgate and job losses at Dover as ferry companies introduced bigger ships and more efficient working arrangements to compete with tunnel.

But not everything could be blamed on the tunnel and the abolition of ‘duty free' also took its toll on the ferry industry.

Benefits to the region included new and improved road links to at Dover and Ramsgate - built to help ‘level the playing field' between the ports and the tunnel.

"I also highlighted some of the other benefits the tunnel has brought to the area including raising awareness of the district and its location, providing local employment and attracting investment along the motorway junctions," said Mr Whittaker.

Council Chairman Cllr Susan Carey said: "If the South Korea to Japan Tunnel is built it's good to know that the project has benefited from our experience here in Shepway."