Newark MP Robert Jenrick shares residents ticket office closure concerns at meetings with rail operators LNER and East Midlands Railway
Newark MP Robert Jenrick has spoken with rail bosses to share residents’ concerns over ticket office closures.
Having received numerous letters, emails and Facebook posts, Mr Jenrick revealed he had met with LNER and EMR in two separate meetings to discuss the rail operators’ plans to close ticket offices at both Newark Northgate and Newark Castle stations.
Plans put forward by both EMR and LNER suggest staff will be on hand on the platform and around the station to assist passengers, in a bid to modernise the running of stations in line with current ticket-buying trends.
The MP said that at the meetings he voiced the concerns that have been raised with him by residents, including the impact on the disabled and the blind, the ability to get tickets not readily available online or at a machine, general assistance, concerns for safety and the potential for a rise in anti-social behaviour, and concerns for the current staff.
In his meeting with LNER, Mr Jenrick spoke with Alan Riley, head of stations, and Chris Stevens, Newark’s station manager.
He said: “Overall I expressed concern at the proposals, and the view that Newark Northgate is a busy station that services a wide hinterland of people well beyond the town of Newark.
“I was surprised that it would be shortlisted for closure and asked that this be reconsidered, failing which that we have clear assurances about the service that’s to be provided — whether behind screen in the ticket office, or trained staff selling tickets and providing assistance around the station and on the concourse.
“I also voiced concerns of staff who have spoken to me at the station about their jobs and I expressed support for them. In my experience, the staff are extremely helpful and friendly and none of us would wish to see them lose their jobs.”
The MP met with Simon Pready, EMR’s commercial director, to discuss Newark Castle Station.
He added: “I raised the same concerns with EMR re: Newark Castle. In addition, I made the point that this proposed closure plays into the wider lack of investment in the Castle Line and the prevailing view that the service is not taken seriously.
“We agreed to meet again in the coming weeks, with managing director Will Rogers, to discuss the long-term investment in the line.”
Mr Jenrick confirmed he would be reiterating his views on the proposed closures in a formal response to the consultations and would urged others to do the same if they feel strongly on the issue.
A LNER spokesperson previously said: “We are modernising the way we retail tickets at stations. Our new team of multi-skilled station staff will be available across the station to sell tickets or assist with the use of ticket vending machines, if required. This will allow the ticket office to close and help us prioritise meeting the evolving needs of our customers.”
An EMR spokesperson described the operators plans: “These proposed changes are aimed to bring railway staff closer to customers, better match demand with resources and ensure long term sustainability for the future. The proposals would help bring station retailing up to date from the mid 90’s, when the rules on how to sell tickets were set and before the invention of the smartphone.”
To give your feedback on LNER’s proposals, email TicketOffice.LNER@transportfocus.org.uk, and for EMR’s proposals, email ticketoffice.emr@transportfocus.org.uk.
The consultations have been extended until Friday, September 1.