New Shearings Coach Interchange at Stop24, J11 M20

Following the signing of a five-year contract with Henry Boot Developments Ltd. the operator of the Stop24 service area at junction 11 of the M20, Shearings Holidays is now providing an interchange facility there for coaches to and from the Continent. A dedicated staff provides meet-and-greet and other services. The company previously managed passenger transfers from Dover Port.

A Stop24 spokesman said that its spacious and stylish facilities provided a perfect environment for coach passengers. Shearings was its first long-term partner for coach operations and discussions were in progress with other brand-name coach holiday companies.

Folkestone Lib Dem Councillor Tim Prater welcomed the news, hoping it will boost the service area. Tim said:

"The Stop24 services at J11 on the M20 have had a difficult year with seemingly low visitor numbers, and a number of outlets including EAT, HMV and Muffinbreak closing. I hope the coach interchange will bring new business to the service area to support the remaining outlets such as Starbucks, KFC and Burger King, and draw more new operators to the site as well.

"The visitor information centre will hopefully come into its own as well. Although the coach passengers will be passing through on this journey, with the fall in the pound making UK holidays much more attractive, hopefully the information they get on this area will encourage them to book a longer stay in the Folkestone area in the future!"

Eurotunnel, which is closing the vehicle parking area at the Cheriton terminal in April, is encouraging coach users to use facilities provided at Stop24.