by political editor Paul Francis

pfrancis@thekmgroup.co.uk

High speed services to and from Deal and Sandwich are likely to continue to be subsidised by Kent County Council after signs the services are proving popular with passengers.

County transport chiefs say they are more than likely to carry on helping Southeastern fund the services, which began last September, up until the rail franchise is renewed.

However, the county council is expected to negotiate with Southeasterm to cut its subsidy on the basis of evidence of increased numbers of season ticket holders using the daily service.

KCC agreed to contribute £190,000 to meet the costs for a year’s trial. The money is used to pay for the crew and trains, with three early morning services and two returning from St Pancras in the evening.

Cllr Bryan Sweetland (Con), KCC cabinet member for transport, said that in three months, the number of season ticket holders travelling from the two stations had increased from 12 to 120.

"The number of season ticket holders who go from Deal and Sandwich has increased and we have been pleased with that. If those numbers continue to go up, I do not think there will be an issue [continuing with a subsidy] and rolling it forward until the franchise is renewed."

KCC agreed to underwrite some of the costs on the basis that it could help encourage new businesses to east Kent following the news of Pfizer’s withdrawal from the area.