Winchester and Micheldever ticket offices to remain open

We won - our train station ticket offices are staying open!

After months of campaigning on this issue, I'm pleased to hear of the government's u-turn on closing our ticket offices.

The level of concern locally has been clear.

I met with local disability groups including Winchester Go LD, Open Sight, and the Hampshire Community Rail Partnership who all made it clear the plans were not thought through for people with accessibility needs.

The proposals created a high level of anxiety for those people who need assistance buying tickets at the stations, especially those with hidden disabilities.

It's disappointing it took so much public pressure for the government to realise the damage their plans would have had. It is equally a shame that so much money was wasted in forcing the rail companies to push ahead with these plans, only to backtrack later.

Thank you to everyone who signed our petition and made their voice heard.