Proposed closure of the ticket office at Stratford upon Avon railway station

The Liberal Democrat Group on Stratford on Avon District Council has unanimously and strongly objected to the proposal to close the one remaining rail ticket office in Stratford on Avon District at Stratford upon Avon railway station. The Liberal Democrat Group forms the administration on the District Council.

The Liberal Democrat Group believes that it is essential to maintain a ticket issuing and advice function at Stratford upon Avon station. Councillor George Cowcher, portfolio holder for planning and economic development, raised the following points:

“Stratford is one of the UK’s most visited towns by tourists, many from overseas and some with limited English. They require advice and a personal service. Some use tickets such as overseas rail cards which are not issued electronically.

“Stratford and District has an increasingly aging population, some of whom do not have access to computer services.

“Stratford is a frequent destination for disabled passengers, many of whom need a personal service and cannot use free standing ticket machines.

“The UK rail ticketing system is over complicated and in part chaotic. At this time, when there is a cost of living crisis, there is a vital need to ensure that customers pay the best possible price for rail tickets.

“Mechanical ticket machines are prone to failure and do not respond to real time events.

“There is no confidence that if the ticket office is closed that advice, ticketing issuing or assistance services will be permanently retained at the station.

“There is a need to ensure that the maximum number of passengers are in possession of a ticket before they board the train to ensure that the incidence of fare dodging is minimised.”

The Group is concerned that the short length of the consultation process may not allow all interested parties to comment, noting that extremely strong feelings have been raised against the proposals.

It hopes that there will be a reconsideration of the proposals and it will be decided to retain a ticket office at Stratford upon Avon station.