EUROSTAR services are set to be dramatically cut from Ashford International station, it could be revealed today.

An official announcement is not expected until later this morning when the cross-Channel operator shows off its new station at Ebbsfleet in North Kent.

Reports suggest that Eurostar staff in Ashford were told yesterday the company intends to call a halt to services from Ashford International to Brussels. Trains to Paris will only run three times a day.

Reacting to this morning's news Ashford MP Damian Green said: "It is disappointing and worrying news that the Eurostar services from Ashford are to be cut so drastically.

"I am particularly alarmed at the complete end to the Brussels trains. Although these are not very well used, the future growth of Ashford will provide an increasing potential customer base for our station, and I think Eurostar are being short-sighted in this move.

"The obvious question has been asked about the whole future of the international station. Indeed I have asked Eurostar for a long-term commitment to Ashford station, and I will keep on at them about this.

"The peak-hour Paris trains, as well as the Disneyland and skiing services, are well-used, and there is no reason to believe that they are under threat.

"These cuts are being introduced on the basis of a survey which suggests that a large percentage of those who currently use Ashford would prefer Ebbsfleet. There are two responses to this.

"First, that surveys asking about people’s future behaviour are notoriously unreliable.

"Secondly, that the population of Ashford is planned to grow so much that a whole new market which cannot yet be surveyed will arrive for Ashford station.