France boosts Tunnel security

France is to step up security around Calais in a bid to stop asylum seekers illegally entering Britain through the Channel Tunnel.

Tougher measures will be introduced at the Sangatte refugee camp, and new infrared cameras and stronger, perimeter fences will be installed at the French end of the tunnel, with more police and railway security teams on duty.

Labour MEP Mark Watts, whose Kent constituency has borne the brunt of the asylum problem, said: "This promise of action is the biggest step forward in the whole six months of this sorry saga.

"France is accepting responsibility and promising no more waiting. I expect work to start on new fencing at the rail terminal on the French side as early as tomorrow and certainly within a few days."

Regular attempts by groups of refugees from Sangatte to gain entry to Britain have reduced the number of freight trains running through the tunnel each night.

British rail freight operator EWS, which has campaigned for tighter security around the camp and the tunnel entrance, says it has lost £30million in the last six months because of cancelled rail freight services.

British officials are understood to have offered technical assistance to help the French put the new security measures in place.