Great Yarmouth MP issues train station ticket office plea

Sir Brandon Lewis has appealed to Greater Anglia to consider creating what he calls a "travel hub" at the station instead of shutting its ticket office.

The planned closure is among a cull of ticket offices across the region planned by Greater Anglia in a modernisation drive.

Sir Brandon has asked Greater Anglia to look at having enhanced facilities at the station that would combine a visitor and tourist information hub alongside the provision of support for rail enquiries and ticketing as an alternative to closure.

Great Yarmouth railway station could lose its ticket office under controversial plans. (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Archant)

As well as contacting the company over his concerns and his vision for a travel hub, Sir Brandon has also tabled a motion in the House of Commons to ask the secretary of state for transport whether he has made an assessment with cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of proposed closures of station ticket offices in Great Yarmouth and other coastal towns on the tourism sector in those areas.

Sir Brandon said: “Many residents have contacted me alarmed at the proposals that would see our station ticket office close.

"I share their concerns, particularly as the station is an important gateway to the town for visitors and departure point for tourists heading home.”

Sir Brandon Lewis outside a polling station Picture: Brandon Lewis/Instagram (Image: Brandon Lewis) (Image: Brandon Lewis/Instagram)

In his response to a public consultation, Sir Brandon also highlighted the disproportionate impact any closure would have on visually impaired, elderly and disabled travellers.

He also noted there are many train users that do not have access to online ticketing services or feel uncomfortable using technology.

The ticket office at Great Yarmouth train station is scheduled to close. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)

Sir Brandon said: “Rail bosses need to consider all these factors. This is not a done deal. 

"There is no need for a one-size-fits-all approach to changes across the railway network. As part of the consultation process, we can work together to make sure we get the right outcome for Great Yarmouth."

The consultation on the closures has been extended until Friday, September 1.

Sir Brandon said: “I welcome this extension as it gives residents a chance to fully considered the proposals and express their views. I would encourage any resident who feels strongly on this issue to take the opportunity to feed into the consultation.”