A PROJECT to investigate the possibility of getting rail freight back to Dover - and even the return of train ferries - is to be launched next month.

The Finesse project, which is to be launched at the European Parliament on December 8, is expected to take two years to complete.

It will look into whether rail freight can be re-introduced to the Port of Dover, re-instating the tracks at the Town Yard, behind Shakespeare Beach.

“It might even bring train ferries back to the port,” said Howard Holt, of Dover Harbour Board. “We are examining routes to Belgium and France.

“The line between Dover and Folkestone, part of which forms the sea defence, is an expensive piece of line to maintain, but it is essential that it remains open.”