Folkestone

Folkestone is a coastal resort town in the Shepway district of Kent, England. Hovercraft and ferry services formerly connected the town to both Boulogne and Calais in France, together with the still present Channel Tunnel. Satellite towns include Capel-Le-Ferne, Cheriton, Hythe and Hawkinge

Industry

As alluded to above Folkestone was at one stage a resort town with a developed shipping trade. With the decline of such industries others have filled the gap.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

During the 80's and 90's the construction of the Channel Tunnel provided employment for many, as well as bringing many to the area, and on completion the running of service still provides work for many. The Channel Tunnel Rail Link is still in development, and the new high speed rail link to London, planned for 2007 may give the town another boost.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Folkestone is also the home of several insurance firms, some of which used to be involved in the shipping trade but have since diversified into other fields; and is the home to Saga, a major company providing tours and other services to the over-50's.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~