MP launches petition calling for rail ticket offices to be saved

This morning, Tim Farron has started a petition calling for ticket offices in Cumbria to be saved.

It comes as rail firms have announced plans for the mass closure of England's ticket offices to "modernise" the railway.

The move, pushed by the Government to save costs, was confirmed by the industry body, the Rail Delivery Group. Train operators told staff on Wednesday morning of proposals to shut down almost all of the 1,007 remaining offices, bar at the busiest stations, within three years.

Tim said: "Railway station ticket offices are a lifeline to so many people, particularly those who are elderly, disabled or who are visitors.

"The Government must not allow the rail companies to close ticket offices at local stations like Oxenholme, Grange, Appleby, Windermere and Penrith.

"This would be a huge blow to all rail users and it would reduce safety for people using the railway stations.

"As somebody who uses the train every week, I see how busy and how well used ticket offices are - I never go to Oxenholme station for example without seeing there be a queue for the ticket office for people needing advice and support.

"So if we want to keep our railway stations safe and support the excellent people who work there, the Government must tell the railway companies to stop these plans and protect our ticket offices."

Tim's petition can be signed here.