CUMBRIAN MP WELCOMES TICKET OFFICE CONSULTATION EXTENSION
Today, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has welcomed the announcement that consultations on proposed ticket office closures will be extended to the 1st of September and is encouraging people to have their say.
The consultations came after announcements that ticket offices across the country would be closing on a permanent basis. They would instead be replaced by floating members of staff up and down the platforms to assist passengers for only a few hours a day.
The announcements came under widespread criticism due to the risk they pose to both staff and passengers. In particular, partially sighted, elderly, and disabled passengers.
Speaking this afternoon, Tim said: "I welcome the extension of these consultations. It is vital that people have the opportunity to express their anger and frustration about these proposals.
"The proposed closures make rail travel less safe for everyone. They would effectively leave stations completely without staff which is a dangerous precedent to set.
"The closures would affect vulnerable groups and the disabled the most which is unacceptable. It would also make working conditions for any remaining staff much more dangerous as they would have zero protection against any aggravated customers.
"The extension of the consultations are a golden opportunity for us to express what we really think of these daft plans which I encourage people to grasp with both hands."