A new train service could provide a direct link between Sheerness and London.

Proposals for the hourly train between the Isle of Sheppey and London Victoria could be approved in the future after Kent County Council adopted a new Kent Rail Strategy for the next decade.

Currently commuters from Sheerness have to change at Sittingbourne to get to the capital, with the fastest journey taking just over an hour-and-a-half and the slowest taking two hours.

Proposals in the strategy include maintaining the existing line through peak services between Sheerness and London Victoria but also proposes an hourly through service to London.

Queenborough councillor Cameron Beart (Con) welcomed the “hugely beneficial” plans.

He said: “I fully support and endorse the ambitious strategy adopted as policy by Kent County Council yesterday .

“It rightly recognises the need to increase and improve connectivity to Sheppey and the proposals if delivered would be hugely beneficial to the island.

“Maintaining two trains per hour between Sheerness and Sittingbourne, maintaining the peak through services to London and introducing a new hourly service from Sheerness direct to London Victoria and back bypassing the change at Sittingbourne would be a welcome addition.

“We also need more joined up thinking to encourage rail use, better parking facilities at local stations so island residents aren’t forced to drive to Sittingbourne for example.

“I met with Network Rail at Queenborough previously to discuss a potential new car park in the sidings but it hasn’t progressed due to an existing lease unfortunately.”

KCC Rail Project manager Stephen Gasche said: “While recognising the dramatic decrease in passenger demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the council is planning for the future.

“We expect that by about 2025 demand will have returned to its pre-pandemic levels, and we aim to ensure Kent’s rail network meets this challenge.

“We need to plan now for future passenger growth which will arise from a projected growth in population and housing.

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