Northwich Rail Station protest over ticket office closure plans

Northwich is one of up to 1,000 ticket offices which could shut under a proposal currently being consulted on by the Government.

The Rail Delivery Group, which represents the train companies, argues most passengers now buy their tickets online or at self-service machines.

But those opposed to the idea say public transport should accessible to all and some elderly, disabled and vulnerable passengers rely on traditional customer service.

And on Saturday, more than 20 members of the public, community leaders and disability campaigners staged a peaceful demonstration at the town's station urging others to object as part of the consultation, which runs until July 26.

Lynne Turnbull, CEO of Northwich-based charity Disability Positive, said: “It’s an absolute travesty they are looking at closing the ticket office here in Northwich and up and down the country.

"As we know here at Northwich, it’s completely inaccessible but closing the ticket office is just another barrier.

Disability campaigner Lynne Turnbull speaking at the protest (Image: Supplied)

"That’s even more of a barrier when we are talking about net zero and trying to encourage more people to use public transport and not use their vehicles."

Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury, set up a petition against the closure and organised the station protest under the slogan ‘Save Our Ticket Offices’.

He said: “This protest is about the closure of ticket offices. Northwich Station is one of 1,000 proposed closures. The Government has given 21 days in terms of consultation, which is an affront to common-sense and democracy in itself.

MP Mike Amesbury set up a petition against the ticket office closure plans and organised the protest (Image: Supplied)

"But I would encourage everyone to take part in that consultation and to say ‘no way’ to ticket office closures."

The Government claims more help and assistance will be available on platforms, but this is rejected by the RMT union which says more than 2,000 jobs will be lost.

Signaller Keith Simpson, branch secretary of RMT Chester, said: "We are here facing the prospect of the ticket office closing and more jobs being culled as a result of this Tory Government.

Northwich mayor Cllr Jane Thomas and Keith Simpson, branch secretary of RMT Chester at the protest (Image: Supplied)

"They care not a jot about working people, about people in poverty, about the disabled."

Cheshire West and Chester councillor Andrew Cooper (Leftwich) said: "How can we can call ourselves a compassionate and inclusive society if we allow this to happen?

"And let’s not forget the hardworking staff who have faithfully served not only our community but communities up and down the country for years.

Cllr Andrew Cooper speaking at the protest (Image: Supplied)

"These are dedicated individuals who know their towns, their people and their needs. They go above and beyond, providing an essential service and a friendly face to people who need it."

To comment as part of the consultation by July 26, email: ticketoffice.northern@transportfocus.org.uk or write to (no stamp needed): RTEH-XAGE-BYKZ, Transport Focus, PO Box 5594, Southend on Sea, SS1 9PZ