Councillor calls for stand against closure of East Lancashire ticket offices

A local councillor is calling for a stand to be taken against the proposed closure of ticket offices at railway stations in East Lancashire.

Under current plans, Accrington's ticket office would shut, as well as those at Burnley, leaving only Blackburn ticket office operating for members of the public.

Now Barnfield Labour councillor Mike Booth has submitted a motion to Hyndburn Full Council on Thursday entitled ‘Opposing the Closure of Accrington Rail Station Ticket Office’ calling for action to try and halt the move.

It is seconded by borough Labour group leader Cllr Munsif Dad.

It reads: “This council resolves to instruct the chief executive to write to the secretary of state for transport Mark Harper, Northern Rail chief operating officer Tricia Williams and the Rail Delivery Group chief executive Jacqueline Starr to oppose the closure of Accrington rail station ticket office and preserve this vital facility for the benefit of our community.

“Hyndburn Council notes the following:

“* Accrington Rail Station ticket office has served as an essential and valuable resource for the local community, offering convenient ticketing services, information, and assistance to passengers – it is more than just a ticket office;

“* the closure of the Accrington ticket office would result in the loss of vital services and negatively impact the accessibility and convenience of public transportation for residents and visitors alike;

“* Accrington ticket office has been a symbol of community engagement, fostering a sense of safety and security for travellers, particularly during busy periods and emergencies;

“* The closure of Accrington ticket office may lead to a reduction in the quality of customer service and will create potential barriers for passengers with limited access to online ticketing or technological resources; and

“* Accrington rail station plays a crucial role in supporting the local economy especially with the ongoing investment in the town centre, and maintaining the ticket office’s operations would contribute to the growth and sustainability of the area.”

Ms Williams said in July: “Only one in six journeys on Northern services are purchased through a ticket office, this compares to almost half of all journeys in 2018. We need to modernise to meet the changing needs of our customers.”

Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Marlene Haworth declined to comment on the motion.