Dear Editor

SINCE the news broke that Greater Anglia, with all other rail companies, proposed to close our railway ticket offices, a group of people based in and around Harlow have come together, under the name of Harlow SOTO (Save Our Ticket Offices). We want to keep Harlow Ticket Office (and the others) open. And so do many other Harlow residents.

Since Harlow SOTO was formed, we have actively been trying to ensure that Harlow residents, in all areas of the town, know about proposals and know how they can respond to them – either through the online consultation or via petitions that will be sent to Transport Focus.

Regular petition sessions have taken place outside Harlow Town station. These are alongside two town centre street campaign stalls where we have collected over 1,000 signatures in under a week, to add to the 1,000 already submitted.

During the street stall on the 16th, we asked people why keeping the Harlow railway ticket office open was important to them. People of all ages cited multiple reasons, including:

“I am in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. I know how much I need the ticket office to be open.”

“I believe it is incredibly important to now not only keep Harlow’s ticket office open, but offices across the Country too. These offices provide vital information and aid to those new to the area and those who cannot use the technology provided in stations. Technology also puts people’s jobs on the line, which seems absolutely barbaric in the current economic climate.” A Clark

“I believe it is very important to keep the ticket offices open as even the younger generation needs them. I have dyslexia and ADHD and I have trouble reading the machines. It’s not just the older generation who need the ticket offices.” 

“Don’t close our ticket office as it would very difficult for me to travel with the trains. Ticket officer helps us to pay the correct price for our journey as well as advice as to where the change to get to our destination.” P Antoniou

We know what Harlow residents think, but about our local political leaders? Are local politicians taking notice of the local and national outcry against the possible closures? Where do they stand on this issue? As the proposed closures will impact on all Harlow residents and visitors to the town, we invite them to use this platform to air their views.

The consultation runs until August 25th. Please could all political leaders respond to this open letter with their stance by Friday 25th September. Harlow people deserve to know.

Thank you 

Harlow SOTO 

Take part in the consultation

Email [email protected] Freepost: RTEH-XAGE-BYKZ London TravelWatch PO Box 5594 Southend on Sea SS1 9PZ

Or you can add your name to a pre-written letter here: https://act.newmode.net/action/trades-union-congress/save-your-greater-anglia-ticket-offices?fbclid=IwAR3hOvhTSJU-aJSxUSGAMQTs4Jg-fjXRbIEpk1afIwo_TJeT_GCCk3BySj4