Eurostar's decision not to stop in Kent for another two to three years has been described as "plain ridiculous".

The international rail company announced earlier this week that trains going through Ebbsfleet and Ashford may have to be paused until 2025 to 2026.

Eurostar halted services stopping at Kent's stations at the start of the pandemic two years ago.

Dartford Borough Council leader Jeremy Kite (Con) has described Eurostar's decision as "very disappointing".

He said: "Kicking this into 2025 and beyond is plain ridiculous. Eurostar has an obligation to deliver this."

All Eurostar services were suspended during the pandemic, with the company announcing last year it would not resume journeys at Ebbsfleet and Ashford until 2023 at the earliest. London St Pancras services are back up and running.

On Tuesday, a Eurostar spokesman said its original plans to resume services in Kent next year could be delayed for another two to three years.

The international rail firm said recovery was "progressing well", but it is operating in an "uncertain" and "fragile" post-pandemic and Brexit climate.

Ashford Borough Council leader Gerry Clarkson said his council would call in the government to intervene in Eurostar's decision.

Jo James, the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce chair, described the decision as a "real blow" to local businesses and the Kent economy.

Meanwhile, Cllr Kite says Eurostar has made an "overcautious" decision, which does not benefit Dartford residents or commuters from Ebbsfleet rail services.

The Dartford council leader said: "Given the public subsidy in the service and station, I think it is disgraceful.

"It is a problem for people locally, particularly the local economy based on European connections."

Despite the fears, Cllr Kite said he does not believe train services will stop indefinitely. He added: "They have made a decision and the operating structure is still flaky and will not start.

"If at some point Eurostar would say that, the government would have an obligation to step in and offer the contract to someone.

"They can't abandon Ebbsfleet because it is an international station."