I have been absolutely blown away by the huge response to my campaign against the closure of Lancaster Ticket Office.

Over 1200 people have signed against the closure, sharing their stories how how vital the ticket office is to them. Along with my own formal objection which you can read below, I have sent these to Transport Focus (who are running the consolation) in time for the initial deadline to make sure all your voices are heard.

You have all raised some fantastic points, particularly on:

• Reduction in accessibility of the railway
• Increased cost, with less ability to get the cheapest fares for complex travel or fare-splitting
• Limitations of ticket machines on refunds, concessions, vouchers, seat reservations etc.
• Passenger safety
• How this will impact the most vulnerable

The consultation has been rushed, with just 21 days to respond to massive sweeping cuts to the service. However, we have today learned that the consultation is to be extended until 1st September.

As you can see from my formal objection below, I have raised all of the above issues, and also my concerns on the length of the consultation and the obligations under Section 29 of the Railways Act 2005.

I will still be campaigning for more voices to object and you can easily sign to object here, but please also note that you can email TicketOffice.Avanti@transportfocus.org.uk, or write to them at Freepost: RTEH-XAGE-BYKZ, Transport Focus, PO Box 5594, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 9PZ. Please be sure to include the name of the station you’re commenting on.