I’m appalled at the news that the Government and rail industry have formally announced plans to close almost 1,000 ticket offices at stations across the country.

I care about ticket offices because, as an older person who finds organising travel quite stressful, I find that dealing with the experienced staff in the ticket offices is both helpful and reassuring (including when the machines don’t work).

If ticket offices are closed, it will be devastating for disabled people, the elderly, people with learning difficulties, and many more people who rely on being able to speak to someone at a station in order to be able to get around.

Staff at stations are crucial for access to information, to waiting rooms, to facilities – and has a big impact on safety. Despite the massive implications for passengers, the rail companies and the government are ploughing ahead.

I support the rail strikes, and I believe that ticket offices and station staffing need to be protected.

I encourage everyone to respond to the consultations and hope that the Government will see sense.

Carol Cooper