Tory uprising brews as train stations close as MPs fear losing votes

Offices received a reprieve last month after the closing consultation was extended by five weeks. Photo: Maureen McLean/Alami

Senior conservative supporters have accused the government of “bad policy” over closing ticket offices, as they warned it could cost party votes.

Railroad companies have unveiled plans to close hundreds of kiosks across throughout the country in a consultation supported by ministers.

However, the offices received a reprieve last month after the exercise was extended by five weeks amid criticism from disabled groups and commuters who say many people still rely on the facilities.

>Two dozen Conservative MPs have already expressed concern about the impact on their constituents, with some calling for Downing Street to rethink its position.

One former cabinet minister said before the general election. Ministers in the [Ministry of Transportation] clearly have no control over their civil servants and railways.

“They should have just said no so close to the election. This is something to think about and find out how it will affect village stations.”

Sir John Redwood said that many commuters who use railroads for recreation are retirees and may not want to do everything online. Photo: John Lawrence

Another former minister said: “The people that will be affected are the conservatives. It just gives the feeling that we don't really care about the basic services for people they're shelling out for.”

Sir Bob Neill, the Conservative MP for Bromley and Chislehurst, said the planned closure was a “mistake” which will hurt those who find it more difficult to book online.

“Bromley, as an area, has the largest number of retirees in Greater London, so we have more people in this situation,” said Sir Bob.

“It would be absolutely wrong to close them until until there is an absolute guarantee that people will still work at the stations. and that they keep working all the time.”

Older people may feel “vulnerable”

He warned that women and the elderly could feel “particularly vulnerable returning home late at night if no one is at the station”, echoing the safety concerns raised by various campaign groups.

Sir John Redwood , a former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament for Wokingham, said that many of the passengers who use the railway for recreation are pensioners.

“They tend to prefer buying tickets in person rather than doing everything online, so I'm a little nervous. about being willing to close all these offices and alienate what I consider to be an important part of their market now,” said Sir John.

Opposition to the closure spanned the entire political spectrum. Last month, 21 left-wing MPs signed a preliminary petition arguing that ticket office workers are “essential for the smooth operation of the rail network.”

Louise Hay, Labor's shadow secretary for transport, warned of the impact of “vulnerable railway users.

A Department of Transportation spokesman said: “Train operator consultations on ticketing are ongoing and no final decisions have been made.”