ROBERT Halfon MP is thanking every resident who responded to his consultation on proposals to close ticket offices at railway stations in Harlow and across the country.

Train companies, including Greater Anglia, have been consulting on proposals that will see staff move from behind the ticket office screens to other roles across stations. On behalf of Harlow residents who had contacted him, Robert expressed his concerns for those passengers who may be disadvantaged by these proposals to Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, and to Greater Anglia directly.

The Government has confirmed today that, after listening to local residents and railway passengers, proposals to close ticket offices will not go ahead.

Commenting on the decision to keep ticket offices open, Mr Halfon said, “Following the announcement that ticket offices in Harlow and across the country have been saved, I would like to thank everybody who got in touch to share their views on the proposals and also the Rail Minister and colleagues from Greater Anglia for their time and consideration of my representations on behalf of Harlow residents.

“When the consultation was launched in the summer, hundreds of constituents and local stakeholder groups told me that they did not want these proposals to go ahead. That’s why I made it clear to my Ministerial colleagues and to local rail operators that I strongly opposed these plans.

“It is wrong that any vulnerable person should fear that any reforms will be detrimental to them and make their journeys more difficult, more dangerous and less enjoyable. I welcome the news that proposals to close ticket offices will not go ahead. The Government has listened to the concerns of rail passengers and has rightly acted to protect everybody who uses the railways. “