Southeastern has responded to a Dover man’s campaign to cut the cost of rail prices from London to east Kent, saying the issue is “very much on our agenda.”

As reported last week, Alan Sencicle, of Danes Court, took his campaign to Transport Minister Stephen Hammond about the issue. He also wrote to public affairs manager Mike Gibson at Southeastern.

His letters compared prices and times of a 130 mile journey from Euston to Stafford via Virgin Trains, where the Pendolino advance fare is £10 each way, and a St Pancras return to Dover, Deal and Sandwich, which is £40.

Mike Gibson has now responded. His letter states: “We share your aspiration to boost visitor numbers to coastal destinations and work closely with Visit Kent, and other local attractions in Kent.

“You’ll see from our website that we regularly offer special promotions to encourage off-peak travel to coastal destinations.

In Mr Sencicle’s previous letter, he stated that the time to travel to other parts of the country is quicker and cheaper, and how this was preventing people from visiting Dover and surrounding areas.

To see the full report, pick up a copy of the Mercury, out on Thursday.