A French mayor has claimed a commuter ‘metro’ train between France and England could be up and running in time for the 2012 Olympics.
 

Dominique Dupilet, head of the Pas-de-Calais council said the service, could see journey times between Lille and London of just over an hour,

He said negotiations with his counterparts in Kent were well underway.

It is understood that Kent County Council is looking at plans for a local train service across the Channel.

Eurotunnel, the company which owns the Channel Tunnel said it had been approached although a spokesman is reported saying it was still in its 'early stages'.