Local residents campaigning to save Hertford East’s ticket office from closure were
supported at a demonstration on Wednesday evening (16th August) by local Labour Councillors, and members of the Unison trade union. This followed a similar demonstration at Hertford North in the morning.
Rail operator Greater Anglia has announced plans to close 47 ticket offices across its network, including Hertford East, as part of a nationwide plan to close almost 1,000 ticket offices. Hertford and Stortford constituency would lose all of its ticket offices under current plans, with Great Northern Rail also planning to close Hertford North’s ticket office.
Labour’s Josh Dean, who helped to organise the demonstration, said, “We’re deeply concerned about the impact these closures will have on our community. Our ticket offices and the wonderful staff who work in them provide a vital service to travellers in Hertford, ensuring that our stations are accessible and safe. Trade unions and disability groups have rightly pointed out that it’s our elderly, disabled and vulnerable residents who will suffer the most under current plans. These local services must be protected and we’re strongly encouraging residents to share their views on the proposed closures as part of the consultation running until 1st September”
The campaigners collected signatures for a petition to Transport Secretary Mark Harper opposing the closures and handed out leaflets encouraging residents to respond to the ongoing consultation on the plans which closes on 1st September.
The demonstration followed a joint motion passed by East Herts District Council, proposed by Labour and the Liberal Democrats, to oppose the plans and lobby the Transport Secretary, the Chief Executive of the Rail Delivery Group and train companies to reconsider.
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