Town to lose ‘beloved’ ticket office and disabled access to platforms
A Lincolnshire[1] railway station is set to lose its ticket office in the next few weeks, leaving the Nottingham and Lincoln-bound platforms inaccessible to many people. Ticket offices at train stations[2] across the UK, including 23 operated by East Midlands Railway, are set to be closed permanently and the consultation is due to last only 21 days, closing on Wednesday, July 26.
A sign outside of Sleaford[3] station says: “Proposed staffing hours: visited weekly by mobile colleagues. The nearest customer information centre to this station will be Lincoln / Nottingham.”
The Sleaford situation is particularly acute for people with mobility issues because there is no easy access to platforms 2 and 3 and the ticket officer has the additional responsibility of helping people who need assistance to reach those platforms and get on and off trains. A 'barrow' crossing is used by people with mobility issues and people with kids in prams, anybody who can’t use the stairs in fact.
Poll: What's the worst road in Lincolnshire for traffic?[4]
The ticket officer helps passengers cross the line using this crossing. It has a steep slope and is awkward to use, it’s also a long way along the platform. The passenger needs to phone the signal box 10 minutes before departure time to get permission to cross. A notice on the station website admitted the problem: “There are currently no station staff available at Sleaford until further notice. This also affects accessibility to the Nottingham and Lincoln bound platforms as staff will not be available to assist customers across the Barrow crossing.”
Former Mayor, Cllr Linda Edwards-Shea has been campaigning regularly outside the station since the closure was announced. By Monday of this week, she had obtained over 300 signatures but then collected 120 more in two hours. She said: “I don’t understand the need for closing ticket offices and removing staff from busy rural stations like Sleaford.”
"Presumably if the ticket office closes and Sleaford loses its staff, which is what EMR wants to happen, then disabled people, vulnerable people, and anyone with mobility issues will not be able to travel by train from Sleaford." The Sleaford Ticket Officer, Kim, is widely and affectionately known in the community for her willingness to help passengers, and her pride in the station and waiting room.
Last year, Kim won the Town Council’s best dressed window competition for the way she decorated the ticket office window. She has also won national awards including “Employee of the Year”. Train user Tim Grigg said: “It’s a tragedy we’re going to lose that in Sleaford.
“I use the station a lot - I live in Heckington. It’s a nationwide push by the Department for Transport, I think, to save money.
“Last time I caught the train back, someone was needing assistance to get off the train. Thank goodness Kim our stationmaster was there to assist her with her onward travel.
“It’s a really bad decision by the government on this one to degrade our railway system.” In spite of the consultation, it looks like the decision has already been made. The government has announced the plans to bring forward proposals from Rail Delivery Group (RDG) - an industry body representing private railway operators - to axe up to 1,000 offices.
It comes despite warnings the move will likely prompt more industrial action, increase crime rates and make travelling difficult for the vulnerable and elderly. Research by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), has found that only three percent of people with sight loss said they could use a ticket vending machine without problems and 58 percent said it was impossible.
Commuters will now have to use train operators' apps or websites to buy tickets, use the self-service machines at stations or "tap in" with contactless or Oyster cards. The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) has claimed operators had already issued hundreds of redundancy notices - but this has been denied by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG).
A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said: "No redundancy notices have been served to staff. Alongside public consultations, train operators have issued a letter to trade unions which opens consultation on managing the transition in a way that minimises the impact of the changes.
"Examples include moving to a new multi-skilled role and comprehensive re-training and re-skilling, staff moving to other roles and the potential for a voluntary severance scheme. Train companies are committed to treating staff, who are hugely valued, fairly and will continue to engage constructively with unions at a local level to manage the transition."
References
- ^ Lincolnshire (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ train stations (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Sleaford (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ What's the worst road in Lincolnshire for traffic? (xd.wayin.com)