Snow and breakdowns hit Eurotunnel profits

CROSS-channel rail operator Eurotunnel has revealed it lost millions of pounds in profits due to the extreme wintry conditions over the Christmas holidays.

The firm, which is responsible for maintaining and managing the Channel Tunnel and runs its own passenger and freight service - recorded profits of just £1.3 million for 2009 – down from £31 million the previous year.

It has blamed the snow which fell on both sides of the Channel and the breakdowns to Eurostar trains which closed the tunnel just before the festive break.

Services to and from mainland Europe were also disrupted at the beginning of last year following a fire in September 2008.

The blaze forced Eurotunnel to close a section of the north tunnel until February 2009.

The company's chief executive Jacques Gounon said: "The results for the year are proof of Eurotunnel's resilience in the face of difficulties."