WHAT has become of Morton's Tunnel?

It is certainly not the exciting profitable transport project that the late Sir Alastair Morton envisaged.

The memorial service to that giant of a man underlined the gulf between those heady days of construction, inauguration and operational success, and the present dismal state of falling revenues and market share.

What a contribution he made to national life. He pushed through a project that many doubted could never be done.

It was controversial, spoiling a patch of Kentish countryside. But in exchange, Kent has gained such a lot. The tunnel is a key ingredient in the county's economic transformation.

Instead of being on the margins of Britain, Kent is now at the centre of Europe, positioned on a vital axis between London, Paris, Brussels and the capitals of what will one day be a burgeoning Eastern Europe.

Millions who have never heard of him owe their remarkable journey under the sea - now taken so much for granted - to his drive and determination.

If Kent wants a symbol of its "go to" credentials, then “Big Al” fits the bill. He may have been abrasive and made enemies of lesser men. But he got things done. And most of his staff adored him.

The congregation in Southwark Cathedral included senior people who were ousted or chose to go after the French shareholder coup in April.

Since their departure, the new French-led board has looked inept, floundering in a world they barely understand.

They have come up with little that differs from the strategy of the former board led by Canterbury-based chief executive Richard Shirrefs. Their Project Dare is not so very different from his Project Galaxie.

The fact that respected businesswoman Dame Pauline Neville-Jones, chairman of the security consultancy QinetiQ, turned down an invitation to join the Eurotunnel board speaks volumes about the credibility of the present directors.

The effect of the French revolution has been not to strengthen Eurotunnel's position, but to weaken it.

Market share is falling, operational losses are mounting, fare wars are squeezing margin, morale of staff in Cheriton is rock-bottom. Kentish jobs are on the line.

Banks may be patient until a more detailed strategy emerges in the New Year. But it is doubtful if they will stick indefinitely with the new board if things continue to worsen.

There has to be every likelihood that they will take control and install their own people - perhaps even some who were kicked out in April.

Sir Alastair would not have been much impressed by Eurotunnel 2004. An "impact" player like him is clearly needed to sort it out.