by Sam Lennon

Government minister Jonathan Shaw has learned that the new high speed rail link has provided a 'quantum leap' for east Kent’s economy.

The Minister for the South East was told this when he met local business people in Folkestone on Thursday

Geoff Miles, businessman and chairman of the East Kent Local Strategic Partnership,. said: "High Speed 1 is a quantum leap for East Kent’s economy.

"It gives the area the fastest rail service in Britain, which will help our businesses open up new markets and become more productive.

"It’s now up to business and local and central government to show imagination and determination to insuring that High Speed 1 delivers long-term economic dividends for East Kent."

Mr Shaw, after a meeting with business people and senior council representative, said: "This new services present huge opportunities for East Kent, both for commuters and the economy, in terms of investment and tourism.

"It brings closer connections between the area and London and so further opens up East Kent for business.It makes the area more attractive for inward investment.

"This is the first stage of the Government’s wider plan to create high speed rail links across the whole county."

Mr Shaw met business people and leading figures, such as Shepway council leader and Robert Bliss and deputy leader David Monk at the Quarterhouse in Tontine Street.

He added: "Opportunities such as our meeting today are invaluable in helping me to really understand the issues people are facing so I can feed our unique South East perspective into the government’s decision making nationally."

The full high speed service, going from Dover, Folkestone and Ashford to London St Pancras, began last month.

The trains travel at 140mph and go from Ashford to London in 37 minutes.