A campaign has been launched to stop the closure of a train station ticket office since it would put passengers 'at risk'. Cllr Alan Chewings is backing a petition to prevent Long Eaton train station's ticket office from closing.
Campaigners say the closure would put passengers at risk as there would no longer be staff to assist them in an emergency. The petition also claims that the lift to platforms would be out of operation, making it difficult for passengers with mobility issues to access the platforms.
Cllr Alan Chewings, Chair of Sawley Parish Council, said: “We were promised a better rail service locally, now we are seeing services cut and there is a threat to close our ticket office. Residents are angry and will oppose the closure.”
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Dr Adam Thompson, who is also part of the campaign group, said: “It’s vital we get residents throughout the community to oppose the plans to close the ticket office. Passenger safety is paramount, as is the ability to give access to both platforms for the elderly and residents with mobility issues.”
The campaigners also say that the closure of the office would make it difficult for elderly passengers to purchase tickets. Angela Gerrard, who signed the petition, said: "Having a ticket office at Long Eaton is essential for the security and safety of passengers; in addition to the expertise and knowledge of the staff.
"Replacing them with a ticket machine is totally unacceptable and a worsening of the service." Kevan Matthews added: "I'm of the opinion that closing the ticket office in Sawley/Long Eaton would have a negative effect both upon the level of service, and upon the area."
However, East Midlands Railway who manage the station say there are no plans to close the Long Eaton ticket office. The Department for Transport say that they cannot comment on specific ticket offices but have said that there has been no decisions made to close them, including Long Eaton.
A DfT spokesperson said: “No decision has been taken on ticket offices, but the reality is they have seen a significant decline in use over the last decade, and resource could be better directed to where customers need it most, keeping safety a priority.
“Passengers will always benefit from face-to-face assistance at train stations, what shape that comes in will be agreed upon so that it can deliver effectively for passengers, taxpayers and the railways.”
Data from the DfT shows that ticket office usage has declined from 34% of transactions in 2012/13 to 12% in 2021/22. It has resulted in just one in eight rail tickets being brought in ticket offices.
To propose any changes to the opening hours, or the closure of ticket offices, train operating companies must follow the 'Ticketing and Settlement Agreement process' during which passenger bodies can register objections.
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