Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council submits response to ticket office closure consultation
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has responded to the consultation on rail ticket office closures, which would have a significant impact for residents and visitors across the Borough.
The plans under consideration would see a number of ticket offices closed across Welwyn Hatfield, impacting on the services that are provided from them.
These stations are an important part of the communities they serve, and facilitate people going to and from work, travelling for education or leisure, or accessing other important services. Despite the proximity to London, many of these stations are also important as destinations, with both Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield being significant centres for employment and further and higher education.
The response submitted on behalf of the Council from Councillor Jane Quinton, Executive Member for Planning and Regeneration has highlighted concerns with the proposals, adding:
“I was disappointed to learn of both the proposed closures to the rail ticket offices, and the narrow opportunity for consultation that was originally announced."
"In responding to the consultation, I have raised serious concerns, including the disproportionate impact these proposals would have on the most vulnerable residents, the perception of safety at unstaffed stations, and the lack of clarity on what support and services will remain in place going forward. We should be doing everything we can to promote and encourage use of our railways as a mode of sustainable transport, but these proposals appear to have the opposite effect.”
Read the full copy of the Council’s response.