By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
Politicians and transport campaigners say they are ‘relieved’ after a U-turn on plans to close six Nottinghamshire train ticket offices.
Local stations at Mansfield, Newark Castle, Beeston and East Midlands Parkway (run by East Midlands Railway) and Newark Northgate and Retford (run by LNER) were affected by the plans. Long Eaton Station’s ticket office was also on the list.
But the offices have now been saved, along with hundreds of others across the country, after the Government asked rail operators to scrap the move on Tuesday (October 31).
David Thornhill, the Chair for Nottingham Better Transport, said: “I think the government was surprised at the vehemence of the opposition – as was I.
“This U-turn can only be good news – the response must have embarrassed them.
“Rather than having less ticket offices, we should be having more, and ensuring there’s a human presence there.
“Public transport can be complex and expensive, but staff can help guide people through the process.”
Train operators had put the plans forward to cut costs, but have now been asked to withdraw them by Department for Transport following the strength of public opposition.
Nottinghamshire councillors whose constituencies would have lost their offices welcomed the news.
Bassetlaw District Councillor Dan Henderson (Lab), who represents part of Retford, said: “It’s great that the government has seen sense and reversed course. The closures would have been a disaster for Reford, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups, the disabled and the elderly.
“Ticket offices provide a social service– it’s not just tickets, it’s help and support which you can’t get from a smartphone.
“We need to ensure travel is open to everyone, not just those with internet access.
“Here in Retford, we’re desperate for more investment in transport. Residents will be relieved to hear this isn’t going ahead.”
Train companies said only 12 per cent of tickets were bought on the platform instead of online.
Newark and Sherwood District Councillor Simon Forde (Ind) campaigned to keep the two Newark offices open.
“It’s surprising how many people don’t have access to the Internet to book online,” he said.
“Our ticketing system is already unbelievably complicated, and we need offices to help travellers get the best deals.
“The government should be encouraging people to use public transport wherever possible.”
MP for Newark Robert Jenrick (Con) said he was pleased passengers’ concerns have been listened to, but added: “This doesn’t mean we should pause modernising our stations and ensuring staff can provide all the different services passengers seek.”
Nottinghamshire County Council Labour group leader Kate Foale, who represents Beeston, said: “We welcome the news that the government have come to their senses and abandoned this disastrous policy to close our ticket offices.
“This U-turn confirms what we in the Labour Group have always said, that these reckless proposals needlessly put accessibility and jobs at risk, and the news will be a relief to Nottinghamshire residents who rely on ticket offices and never wanted them to close in the first place.”
