Eurostar to bring cash to region

East Midlands passengers will reach Paris in under four hours

The new Eurostar terminal at St Pancras station in London will be a boost to the East Midlands economy, a transport lobby group said.

The facility will open on 14 November, making connections with the East Midlands much quicker.

Eurostar bosses have worked closely with Midland Mainline to ensure journey times and prices are competitive with air travel.

Nottinghamshire Transport 2000 said the link was good news for the region.

"It really is wonderful news - in fact the best news we've had for years," said David Thornhill from Nottinghamshire Transport 2000.

"This isn't just good for our local people going to Europe but it will also bring European business people into the region."

'Big splash'

Eurostar chief executive Richard Brown said the company was working closely with regional rail providers to make the train a good travel alternative.

"We want to make a big splash with the opening and we are working closely with Midland Mainline to make sure people know about the new link.

"We really want to make this an attractive travel proposition," he said.

Once the new terminal is complete, passengers from the East Midlands will be able to reach Paris in just under four hours.