A CAMPAIGN has been launched against plans to close ticket offices of both Romsey and Swaythling railway stations.

South Western Railway (SWR) recently confirmed that they plan to close all ticket offices in Hampshire and introduce 'more face-to-face support' for railway passengers. 

Instead of a ticket office, there will be a team of staff in each station to help customers from journey planning to ticket purchasing.

Introducing the campaign, Cllr Geoff Cooper said: “The ticket offices have been a beacon of convenience, providing essential services to many of our elderly and more vulnerable residents. Passengers have spoken highly about the personal help and support they had received from existing staff who go out of their way to resolve problems.

READ MORE: Train station ticket office closure plan consultation extended

“While we all welcome the extension of the consultation, I still have significant concerns about these cuts and what they will mean for local people. Our local network will suffer reduced accessibility for passengers, including those with reduced mobility and people requiring in-person assistance.” 

Cllr Sandra Gidley said: "The railway ticket office is the heart of our travel experience. Residents have told me that they would find organising their journey much more difficult, without the personal help available at the ticket office.”

Cllr Cooper added: "We all want a modernised, upgraded railway, but any changes must work for the most vulnerable too. I’m encouraging people to respond to the consultation and make their voice heard. Now it has been extended to September 1, we can put up strong opposition to these unfair plans. Both Romsey and Swaythling stations will lose their staffed ticket office if these plans go ahead.”

For more details on the petition, visit: testvalleylibdems.org.uk/ticket-office.

Full details of SWR’s station change proposals can be found at southwesternrailway.com/stationchange.