Image via Maisna / Shutterstock.com
Eurotunnel was hit by further problems today as striking ferry workers set fire to tyres in Calais, blocking one of the entrances to the French terminal.
Huge plumes of black smoke could be seen billowing over the port as authorities worked to remove the blockade and repair the road this afternoon.
A statement on Eurotunnel’s website read: “The Maritime Nord Union has this morning blocked access to, and exit from our French Terminal in the Calais direction.
“Entry is still possible from the Boulogne direction following local diversions in place.
If your arrival to check-in at Calais is delayed, please rest assured that we will accommodate you on the next departure with space available.”
The company tweeted at around 1pm that access to the French terminal was still blocked while repairs to the motorway were carried out.
It was recommended that anyone travelling on a day return ticket today reschedule their journey. A statement on Eurotunnel’s website apologised for the delays.
Eurostar said its service was unaffected.
BREAKING: #Eurotunnel say protestors set fire to tyres & blocked exit leading to the Channel Tunnel in #Calais. pic.twitter.com/LqJEppGcQb
— BBC South East (@bbcsoutheast) July 21, 2015
#HeartNews Tyres set on fire at entrance to #Eurotunnel in #Calais photo: La Voix du Nord http://t.co/0D4CtPlwOrpic.twitter.com/Nqu5VVxJkw
— Kent News (@HeartKentNews) July 21, 2015