URGENT TALKS OVER TUNNEL SAFETY 

Dover District Council Leader Cllr Paul Watkins is calling for an urgent meeting with the Government Transport boss over safety issues at the Shakespeare tunnels

Shakespeare tunnel

High speed rail link operator Govia, has said it is committed to running services to Dover if the safety concerns at Shakespeare Tunnels can be overcome.

Cllr Watkins said: 'We remain concerned that safety issues at Shakespeare tunnels are still at this stage unresolved. We are now calling for urgent talks with the Secretary of State for Transport to discuss how these matters can be resolved. We are very happy that Kent will benefit from High Speed Train services, but are disappointed at the continuing uncertainty regarding possible connections to Dover.

'The confirmation that Govia is committed to run services to Dover if safety issues are resolved is great news, coming on the back of the planning application for the White Cliffs Business Park. This has the potential to provide tremendous opportunities for the district. It is important that Dover is connected to enable us to compete on a level playing field to achieve the full regeneration and community benefits.

'The Council is working hard with our partners in the community to regenerate the area, and initiatives like Dover Pride are working to secure economic growth. This news will help to give these initiatives a real boost and put the district on track for the future.'