POLITICIANS in Workington have expressed concerns at Northern's decision to close ticket offices in West Cumbria.

The comments come as companies across England have started a review of their need for ticket offices.

A notice has appeared outside of Workington Station which announces the new plans would mean the station is only staffed between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Saturday, a reduction on the current hours which see the station staffed between 6am- 7.45pm Monday to Saturday and 12.30pm-6.30pm Sundays.

Times and Star: The notice which has appeared outside of Workington train stationThe notice which has appeared outside of Workington train station (Image: Supplied)

The notice said: “It is proposed that all ticket office windows at this station will close, with staff moving to other station areas, where they are better placed to help customers buy tickets, provide expert travel advice, information and assistance for customers.”

Workington MP Mark Jenkinson has raised concerns that train operators are 'jumping the gun' over ticket offices, warning against hasty closures.

Mr Jenkinson has launched a survey to seek out the views of his constituents on the changes.

He said: “With only 12 per cent of ticket sales made through a ticket office, I agree that these companies should be looking to modernise. There is, however, a balance to be struck.

“To replace ticket office staff, many companies are introducing new support staff to help with accessibility and give advice on the sale of ticket through machines or online.

"While this ensures some services are still maintained, it should be noted that their working hours are reduced.”

Mr Jenkinson raised concerns about plans for Workington and Penrith ticket offices, which under new plans would leave the stations ‘completely unstaffed’ at certain points throughout the week.

He said: “With no step-free access to either platform, how will those with accessibility requirements get to the platform after hours or on Sundays?

“I have concerns that operating companies are jumping the gun and may leave many in situations where they're unable to access railway transport.”

Labour parliamentary candidate for Whitehaven and Workington Josh Macalister said: “This news will be deeply worrying to elderly and disabled passengers in Whitehaven and Workington who rely on the support and advice provided by staff in ticket offices and the fantastic staff themselves, who I have met with this week and who tell me they are worried for the future.

“As you are aware, one in nine tickets are still sold at physical ticket offices. That represents over 150 million of the 1.4 billion rail journeys recorded over the past year.

“Passengers in West Cumbria are already suffering due to the chaos on our railways. They should not have to face any further disruptions to their travel plans due to rushed changes to our rail networks.

“I look forward to receiving more information on your plans to protect both passengers and staff in my constituency.”