A public consultation on the closure of ticket offices ends today (Friday 1 September). Opposition to the proposed office closures, both nationally and across Stockport, has been widespread. 

The most recent instance of opposition to the closures comes from Lib Dem councillors for the Norbury & Woodsmoor ward, who have written an open letter to Mary Robinson MP 'to express the concerns of many residents'. 

Cllr Dr Pete West, Cllr Dominic Hardwick and Cllr Grace Baynham said: "I hope you will use whatever influence you have on your party leadership, the secretary of state, and your votes in Parliament to represent the clear wishes of the people of Norbury & Woodsmoor."

Mary Robinson herself has not commented explicitly on the closures. In a statement earlier this year, the MP said: "The Rail Delivery Group has published its proposals to close ticket offices and redistribute staff to other roles at train stations. 

"This will affect stations across Cheadle constituency. It is important that the consultation takes into account everyone's views."

Stockport's Labour Group is opposed to the closures, arguing in a statement: "Losing ticket offices across Stockport would have particularly damaging consequences for elderly and disabled people in our community and unattended stations are less safe for everybody."

The proposed closures include Bramhall, Bredbury, Brinnington, Cheadle Hulme, Davenport, Gatley, Hazel Grove, Heaton Chapel, Marple, Reddish North, Romiley, Rose Hill, Stockport and Woodsmoor (Image - Ryan Parker)

Similarly, in August, Navendu Mishra MP said: "I spoke with passengers and staff at Brinnington Station. Many stated how crucial the ticket office is - providing both physical tickets and space for an award-winning community Swap Shop."

The Edgeley Community Association said of the proposals: "This is a cynical move by the Conservative Government. 

"Ticket offices are well used by Edgeley residents.They provide essential travel advice, facility to address complex travel enquiries and also allow rail passengers with complex needs the ability to purchase tickets with ease."

Passengers with comments on the proposals should contact Transport Focus to share their opinions on the changes; how it will affect them and the community.

Transport Focus points out: "Each train company has produced its own proposals – so there are 13 separate consultations running simultaneously rather than one, national consultation.

"Transport Focus will need to send a separate response to each consultation, commenting on the stations it covers."

You can find the consultation HERE.

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