Work has begun at Ashford International station to make it fit for new international trains.

Network Rail is already installing new signalling equipment to allow Eurostar’s new e320 trains - and potentially any other operator’s high speed trains - to access the station, engineers are also updating and widening the international platforms to match European-width trains.

The work is part of a £10 million project being delivered by Network Rail and backed by Kent County Council (KCC) and Ashford Borough Council (ABC), with funding coming from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Network Rail’s senior commercial scheme sponsor, Mark Ellerby, said: “When Ashford International was rebuilt in the 1990s, the platforms used by international trains were not built to full European standards, because the Eurostars of that era ran on normal GB tracks.

“The work will future-proof the town’s station and preserve its status as part of Europe’s high speed network – one of only four stations in the country to have that honour.

“High speed rail and links to Europe have given Ashford a huge boost over the past 21 years and we are pleased to be working with Eurostar and authorities to keep that going.”

In April, the first of Eurostar’s new e320 trains, which go to Brussels as well as Paris, will call at the station and be one of the first to use the amended platforms and signalling system.

KCC’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Cllr Mike Whiting, said: “KCC fully supports this investment which will ensure that Kent continues to be served by European rail services at both its international stations.

“We have worked in close partnership with ABC, Network Rail, Eurostar, High Speed 1 Ltd and the Office of Road & Rail to ensure that this project is brought to completion.

“I look forward to the launch of the project in April this year, and the great travel opportunities to continental Europe this will secure for Ashford and the wider Kent economy.”

Cllr Gerry Clarkson, leader of ABC, said: “This multi-million pound investment in state-of-the-art signalling equipment at Ashford International will secure the long-term future of Ashford’s place on the European rail map.

“It is great to see another of Ashford’s Big 8 projects progressing well, ensuring that Ashford stays the UK’s International Town.

“These works may cause some disruption for residents and passengers over the next few months, but the benefits to Ashford’s economy and its ongoing success will be well worth it to retain direct rail access to Brussels and four of France’s five largest cities.”

Christian Brodie, Chairman of the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, added: “The importance of the new signalling system to the future of Ashford, and connectivity of Kent to mainland Europe, was very quickly recognised by ourselves and our partner, the Kent & Medway Economic Partnership.

“Having successfully secured £9.8m from the Local Growth Fund, work is now under way and it will ensure Kent retains its two international stations on the country’s only high-speed rail line.”