Crewe Town Council objects in the strongest terms to the threats to the train station ticket office
At the most recent meeting of Crewe Town Council’s Planning Committee, councillors expressed their clear objections to the current proposals of Avanti West Coast as they consult on proposals to close the ticket office Crewe Station.
Councillors expressed concern that the proposal to close the station ticket office would impact on those in most need of help and support when travelling by train and also undermine customer services lead to staff losses. It was also commented that the staff at the ticket office, and the station generally, are knowledgeable, experienced and valued by rail customers and to lose these committed workers would be entirely unsustainable.
Cllr John Rhodes, Chair of the Planning Committee, has written to the Minister for Transport, Mark Harper MP, to express the distinct concerns of Crewe Town Council, rail users and residents in Crewe. Cllr Rhodes Commented, “I strongly believe that passengers would no longer have widespread and easy access to the purchase of rail products and best value fares if the ticket offices closures went ahead. There are a range of products and services available at the ticket office, which may not be available from Ticket Vending Machines. Ticket office closures would cause a significant worsening of the facilities and support offered to disabled, Deaf and older people. Already, disabled people face numerous barriers in accessing the rail network and are three times less likely to travel by rail than people without accessibility issues and the presence of staff is vital for ensuring the railway is accessible to all.”
Crewe Town Council has also submitted a formal objection to the consultation carried out by Avanti West Coast. You can submit your views and concerns via the consultation website: https://www.transportfocus.org.uk/train-station-ticket-office-consultation/ or by writing to freepost address: RTEH-XAGE-BYKZ, Transport Focus, PO Box 5594, Southend on Sea, SS1 9PZ. The consultation closes on Friday 1st September.
