Calderdale Labour councillors have slammed new proposals to close ticket offices at stations serving the Calder Valley line, calling for members of the public to join them in campaigning against the cuts.
Operator Northern runs ticket offices at train stations in Halifax, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden, all of which are now at risk of permanent closure under plans published yesterday for public consultation by industry body the Rail Delivery Group.
Cabinet Member with responsibility for Strategic Transport Councillor Scott Patient (Luddendenfoot) said: ‘There is no case whatsoever for closing ticket offices. Local staff are knowledgeable, experienced, and always glad to help. Why wouldn’t we keep their service and save their jobs? Not all rail users can buy tickets online, many including elderly and vulnerable people rely on ticket offices. We cannot allow anyone to be excluded from using public transport as a result of this Government’s thoughtless cost-cutting agenda. An attack on accessible travel is an attack on an inclusive society. ’
He continued ‘We ask all Calderdale residents to join with us and call on the Government to stop these harmful cuts. Please fill in the consultation and contact your local MP asking them to raise this with Mark Harper MP, Secretary of State for Transport.’
Members of the public can object by filling in the consultation by independent watchdog Transport Focus here: https://www.transportfocus.org.uk/train-station-ticket-office-consultation/. It runs until Wednesday 26th July. Halifax residents can contact Holly Lynch MP (Lab) via holly.lynch.mp@parliament.uk and Calder Valley residents can contact Craig Whittaker MP (Con) via craig.whittaker.mp@parliament.uk.
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Photograph shows Cabinet Member with responsibility for Strategic Transport Councillor Scott Patient (Luddendenfoot) speaking to local residents about the proposed ticket office closures at Hebden Bridge train station today
For more information please contact Calderdale Labour Group on 01422 393151 or 07858 678616.