East London MP opposes train station ticket office closures

Plans to close train station ticket offices were met with concern after an initial consultation deadline on the proposals was labelled a “disgrace”.

Train companies are consulting on plans to close hundreds of ticket offices in England over the next three years, including in east London.

Rainham, Upminster, Barking, Dagenham Dock and Limehouse c2c stations would be affected.

The consultation period has now been extended to September 1.

Jon Cruddas, Labour MP for Dagenham and Rainham, welcomed this but criticised the government over the “totally insufficient” initial 21-day period for people to make their comments which he labelled a “disgrace”.

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Mr Cruddas has written to the secretary of state for transport to object to the closures.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said it was right that train operators listened to feedback and extended their consultations.

c2c, which operates between Essex and London, also welcomed the decision.

Rob Mullen, its managing director, said: “The way our customers buy tickets has changed and we need to ensure the railway offers an experience that reflects that.”

Mr Mullen added that the company was particularly keen to hear from passengers who have physical, hearing or visual impairments.

“I want to reassure these customers that the proposed reforms will not affect our ability to provide assistance,” he added.