Liberal Democrats hailed a victory for residents as their motion calling on the government and rail companies not to close the ticket offices in our local stations gained unanimous support at last week’s meeting of the full council.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Angie Clark, mover of the motion and Lib Dem councillor for Bredbury Green and Romiley, said: “Staffed ticket offices are a vital part of making our train services accessible to all. In most small stations this is the only place to find a member of staff and in providing assistance, security and advice they offer a vital service that a machine simply does not replace.
“I am delighted that all councillors agreed they should be protected. Recent statements by the minister imply they will now be saved from closure but in its very short time this government has shown it can reverse course in a heartbeat. We hope our motion will highlight the strength of feeling about this issue among our residents.”
Cllr Frankie Singleton, seconder of the motion and Lib Dem councillor for Bramhall North, added: “Whilst commuters and regular rail users may not need frequent support from staffed ticket offices, problems do arise and having a person at the station to speak to can make all the difference. Sadly the ticket machines cannot tell you where to find a taxi or help if someone has an accident on the platform or feels unsafe. They can’t even issue a ticket when they aren’t working!
“We hope that the government and the rail companies will rule out ticket office closures once and for all.”
