Earlier this year, TransPennine Express, alongside other train operators, launched a public consultation regarding the closure of ticket offices and proposed changes to customer service at both Grimsby and Cleethorpes stations.
During the public consultation, Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of the Council, and Cllr Stewart Swinburn, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport, with the council’s delivery partner Equans, wrote a letter to the Secretary of State for Transport, expressing their strong objections to the proposed closure of ticket offices in North East Lincolnshire.
The council is making significant investments to regenerate Grimsby Town Centre and the resort of Cleethorpes to make North East Lincolnshire a better place to live, work and visit. In addition, the council has previously worked in partnership with TransPennine Express to refurbish and upgrade the ticket offices at both train stations.
Strong concerns were expressed by the council regarding the impact on the elderly and disabled who often prefer or require assistance from members of staff at the ticket offices to ensure they are purchasing the correct train ticket, to assist with journey planning or if they find it difficult to use a self-service ticket machine. Closing these ticket offices would have only worsened this issue.
As a result of the letter from the council and strong objections from the public, the Government asked train operators to withdraw their proposals, and shortly afterwards, it was announced that any proposals outlined in the consultation would not be taken forward.
The Council welcomes this decision and is pleased that the rail operators listened to the local residents and the objections and concerns raised.
Article from NELC.
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