BORDERS MP John Lamont has welcomed the news that the ticket office at Berwick Railway Station will not now close.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper announced yesterday Tuesday October 31 that planned widespread closure of railway station ticket offices in England has been scrapped and the Government has asked train operators to withdraw their proposals.

This is in response to watchdogs Transport Focus and London TravelWatch announcing they opposed every single planned closure due to issues such as the impact on accessibility.

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Mr Harper said: “We have engaged with accessibility groups throughout this process and listened carefully to passengers as well as my colleagues in Parliament.

“The proposals that have resulted from this process do not meet the high thresholds set by ministers, and so the Government has asked train operators to withdraw their proposals.”

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Mr Lamont said: “This will be a huge relief for local residents who use this station regularly.

“I am glad that the ticket office will remain in operation as it is very useful for many commuters from the Borders.

“I made my feelings clear on this issue and it is welcome that the UK Government has stepped in to keep station services open.

“Thank you to everyone who made their views heard.”

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RDG chief executive Jacqueline Starr said the proposals were about adapting the railway to the changing needs of customers “in the smartphone era”, balanced with the “significant financial challenge faced by the industry”.

She continued: “While these plans won’t now be taken forward, we will continue to look at other ways to improve passenger experience while delivering value for the taxpayer.”

Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union general secretary Mick Lynch said that it was a “resounding victory” for the campaign against the closures.

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He added: “We are now calling for an urgent summit with the Government, train operating companies, disabled and community organisations and passenger groups to agree a different route for the rail network that guarantees the future of our ticket offices and station staff jobs, to deliver a safe, secure and accessible service that puts passengers before profit.”

Katie Pennick, campaigns manager at accessibility charity Transport for All, said: “While we are proud of the incredible tenacity of disabled people and our community for securing this major campaign victory, the outcome is bittersweet.

“The disastrous and discriminatory proposals should never have been put forward.”