MANY Kent rail commuters could miss out on the benefits of the new Channel Tunnel Rail link if the Government accepts plans for domestic services on the 68-mile route.

The Strategic Rail Authority has unveiled its proposals for domestic passenger services along the route and there is mixed news for travellers, depending on where they live.

The SRA’s favoured option is for a core service concentrating primarily on services between Folkestone, Ashford and Gravesend. Journey times on these routes in to and out London could be cut by a third.

However, travellers using Kent trains from Thanet, the Medway Towns and parts of mid Kent would be unable to exploit the link and may continue to have to rely on existing services.

Although the SRA says it will consult on alternative options which incorporate these locations, it makes clear the core service plan will be the least costly and therefore most likely.

That will come as a blow to those who believe the rail link should benefit all parts of the county. Concern has already been expressed that efforts to boost the economy of both east Kent, notably Thanet, and the Medway Towns will be adversely affected.

According to the SRA, the core service would cost the taxpayer £205 million. All five of the other options outlined in its consultation paper would cost significantly more. At £385million, the most expensive domestic route would be one incorporating both Thanet and the Medway Towns.

SRA chairman Richard Bowker admitted: “Not everyone’s aspirations can be met from day one of the new franchise and not all aspirations are affordable or represent value for money.”

During peak hours, the core service option would feature:

* Four trains per hour between Gravesend and London St Pancras, calling at Stratford or Ebbsfleet

* Two trains per hour between London St Pancras and Canterbury West, calling at Stratford or Ebbsfleet and Ashford

* Two trains per hour between London and Folkestone, calling at Stratford or Ebbsfleet and Ashford. During off peak hours, broadly half this level of service would operate.

Chatham and Aylesford Labour MP Jonathan Shaw said the Government would be lobbied hard to include the Medway Towns and Thanet. He said: “Ultimately, this will be a political decision and we must make sure that we get a service that benefits all parts of the county. We have taken all of the pain and must make sure we get all of the gain from this.”

Kent County Council gave a cautious welcome to the news. Cllr Alex King, Conservative cabinet member for regneration, said: “While we are pleased to see Folkestone, Canterbury, Ashford and Gravesend are in, we are disappointed that Thanet and Medway are not, particularly as the trains will be stabled at Thanet,” said Cllr Alex King, Conservative cabinet member for regneration.

The five other options under consideration are:

Mid Kent – with services stopping at Maidstone

Medway (partial) and Medway (full)

Thanet Towns via Medway

Thanet Towns via Canterbury

Consultation on the SRA’s proposals will continue until mid-April and there are expected to be a number of meetings around the county to hear views.