Basingstoke MP Maria Miller has responded after plans to close train ticket offices were scrapped.

Ticket offices across the country faced closure under controversial plans that unions and campaigners said would lead to job losses and difficulties for passengers such as the elderly and disabled in paying for travel.

In July this year, industry body the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) unveiled proposals which could have lead to nearly all offices being shut, with facilities only remaining open at the busiest stations.

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Basingstoke Gazette: Train ticket offices will no longer close as proposal are scrappedTrain ticket offices will no longer close as proposal are scrapped (Image: PA)

Following a public consultation, the Transport Secretary, Mark Harper has stepped in and asked that the train companies withdraw their proposals to close ticket offices.  

In a statement, Mark Harper said: “The consultation on ticket offices has now ended, with the Government making clear to the rail industry throughout the process that any resulting proposals must meet a high threshold of serving passengers."

Maria Miller said: ‘’Back in July, I responded to the rail companies’ public consultation on the potential closure of ticket offices. In the response, I expressed my serious concerns that such closures would jeopardise services relied on by some of the most vulnerable train passengers.

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"In particular, my response focused on the potential exacerbation of the digital divide caused by ticket offices closures, making groups who do not have access to online services, or struggle to use train apps, less likely to travel on the railway.

"I also outlined my concerns about the impact that closures would likely have on disabled customers who regularly use ticket offices to access mobility support and in-person assistance.

"I am glad that Transport Focus – the organisation collating the consultation responses – have taken these concerns, along with the concerns of the 750,000 other consultation responses, into account and have objected to the train companies’ proposals.’’