Norfolk campaigners warn closing ticket offices will create 'a barrier' to rail travel
Consultations into the planned closures have attracted nearly 500,000 responses across the country
Last updated 1st Sep 2023
West Norfolk campaigners are warning that closing ticket offices will create 'a barrier' for many wanting to travel by rail.
Consultations into the planned closure of seven offices in Norfolk, and more across the country have attracted nearly 500 thousand responses across the country.
"It's a stressful situation"
Jo Rust is secretary of King’s Lynn's TUC:
"I have been there myself when the ticket machines haven't been working and when staff have been out on the concourse and their machines haven't been working either. So it's a stressful situation.
"If you have a disability, if your eye-sight is limited- the closure of these offices means it's not going to be as easy to find these staff, compared to if they were in the offices.
"I fear for their future"
"I think it will be a barrier to people travelling by train. We have a fantastic cafe in King's Lynn train station and I fear for their future, if the ticket offices close down. As people just won't travel in the same way as they used to.
"In King's Lynn we believe that they are being closed by stealth, because as staff leave, their positions aren't being replaced.
"So very often, you go to the station and you'll have to use a ticket machine - or if you can find anyone- somebody on the concourse because there is nobody in the ticket office".
Where are these planned office closures in Norfolk?
-Great Yarmouth
-Reedham
-Lowestoft
-Diss
-Thetford
-Downham Market
-King's Lynn
"We welcome all of the feedback"
A spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group said: "We welcome all of the feedback received so far.
"Train companies are committed to making sure customers' views are taken into account and will continue to engage with passengers, accessibility and safety groups."