Relief as Government U-turn sees Hinckley train station’s ticket office spared the axe

Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 6 November 2023

CAMPAIGNERS in Hinckley have shown their relief at Hinckley railway station’s ticket office being spared the axe in a Government U-turn announced earlier this week.

**Inset** (Image: Mason Moore) / **Pictured in past times: Coun**. Mullaney and Barwell councillor Ann Finnemore holding a clipboard petition where they were collecting signatures to stop the ticket office closure. (Image: Michael Mullaney)

Lib Dem councillor, Coun. Michael Mullaney, of the De Montfort Ward, said that he and other campaigners are ‘delighted’ that rail bosses have scrapped the plans to close ticket offices across the country, following a consultation which was held.

As we reported back in August, he slammed the proposal of replacing staff with ‘one-sided’ ticket machines, noting commuters would not find the best prices and deals, and a lack of face-to-face interaction between them and the retailer, while further adding the plans were being opposed by a number of disabled charities.

In a statement issued to the Hinckley Free Press, Coun. Mullaney said: “It is great news. So many people wanted to see a staffed ticket office kept at the town’s rail station. Not everyone is able to use ticket machines or to book online.

“It is good news for people who want to be able to talk to someone in person when buying tickets, particularly elderly residents and people with disabilities, many of whom were angry at the plans to close the ticket offices.”

He concluded: “Railway tickets can often vary massively in price depending on what route you take, so having someone in the ticket office is a real help to people during this cost of living crisis who are looking for the cheapest deal on train tickets.

“Thanks to everyone who signed petitions and wrote in to object to plans to close the ticket office.”