New Container Site Rumoured for Cheriton

Lib Dem campaigner Peter Carroll has reacted with concern to rumours that Eurotunnel is exploring the option of putting a large lorry container operation in place at its Cheriton terminal that borders Newington and Peene. The scale of the proposed operation is understood to be substantial. It is believed that the operation will include the unloading and short term storage of hundreds of steel containers. Large cranes and other equipment will be required to operate the new facility.

Peter said, "These plans suggest that Eurotunnel is diversifying from its current business of operating the Shuttles for lorries and cars. This operation is very different. It will mean literally hundreds of extra lorry movements into this area every day. It is inevitable that there will extra noise and nuisance from the constant loading and unloading of containers."

Peter added, "As a matter of urgency, I have written to Eurotunnel to ask if there is any truth in these rumours. If there is, I am demanding that Eurotunnel tell residents exactly what they are planning and what impact these plans will have on local people."

It is believed that Eurotunnel plans to use the area of the terminal directly beneath the White Horse for this new venture.

Peter added, "As far as I can establish, one of the main reasons that this operation is coming to Cheriton is that trains carrying containers cannot pass through the tunnels between Ashford and Dollands Moor. If they could, the container operation could take place nearer Ashford as originally planned. It seems amazing that with all the investment in things such as the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, the opening up of these tunnels was not undertaken. Once again, the local people of Cheriton, Newington and Peene look like they may be paying a huge price for nothing in return."