THE high speed trains WILL come to Dover. That was the big news announced by Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman during a visit to the town on Friday when he launched a new package of public transport improvements to benefit the local area.

It follows a decision by Network Rail to make improvements to the track through Shakespeare Tunnel to enable the high speed trains to pass through it safely.

Hourly services to London St Pancras will operate from Dover when high speed services are introduced on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) in December 2009. Journey times to London will shrink by up to 40 minutes, giving a journey time of about 70 minutes into St Pancras.

Dover MP Gwyn Prosser described the announcement as "nothing short of monumental".

Dr Ladyman said: "The extension of these services to Dover is an important boost for the town. Our contract with Southeastern committed them to run hourly services to Dover, if safety concerns could be overcome.

"We're delighted that funding has been found for these improvements."

Andrew Munden, Network Rail's route director, said: "We are actively looking to invest in projects that will expand the railway and provide a better service to passengers and freight customers alike.

"This additional infrastructure project at Shakespeare Tunnel will make a huge difference in the travel experience to and from this important area of Kent."

Southeastern managing director Charles Horton said: "We hope the new services will also encourage inward investment and economic re-generation in Kent, opening new job and journey opportunities for people in one of the fastest expanding areas in the UK."

Mr Prosser added: "Make no mistake about it – this is nothing short of monumental.

"Linking up one of the busiest cities in the country to the busiest ferry port in the world provides us with the biggest single boost to our plans for regeneration and job creation for more than a generation."

When it is completed, the Channel Tunnel Rail Link will be Britain's first dedicated high speed link, delivering faster journey times from 2007 and reducing commuter journey times from Kent by up to 35 mins from 2009.

Southeastern will also provide the Olympic Javelin service, speeding passengers from St Pancras to Stratford station in seven minutes during the 2012 Olympic Games.

Substantial regeneration benefits will also be delivered, including supporting an estimated 100,000 new jobs, 18,000 new homes and over 40m square feet of office space along the route of the Link.