HUNDREDS of irate train passengers are backing a petition to prevent ticket offices from being axed.

Rail lobbyists have slammed Greater Anglia for proposing to close six ticket offices in Tendring, including at Walton, Thorpe, Alresford and Great Bentley.

The company says ticket sales have fallen “well below” minimum levels set by the Department for Transport, so there is no statutory obligation to provide ticket office facilities.

The Walton and Frinton Rail Users’ Group, Ontrack, which is working in conjunction with parish and town councils, disputes that claim.

Ontrack chairman John Smock says the numbers are increasing.

He said: “We don’t believe the ticket sales are accurate. We did head counts a few years ago at Thorpe, Frinton and Walton, which are still relevant today, and by all accounts the numbers have been going up.

“We know the issue is money, but the bigger issue is customer service. Thorpe station, we understand, is the second biggest interchange outside Norwich.

“Should it be unstaffed? – we think not.

“Lots of new houses are being built in the area – how will they make sure people use the railway if customer services are reduced?

“They’re trying to shoo people from ticket offices which will force people onto the roads.”

The scheme is part of a package of improvements Greater Anglia began putting in place when it won the rail franchise in October.

It includes installing ticket vending machines and upgrading existing machines to be more user-friendly.

The company says the affected stations are served by trains with on-board conductors who can sell tickets to passengers.

During peak times a member of staff will be Thorpe station and rail bosses have vowed to continue helping disabled customers.

But Ontrack secretary Dave Bolton said: “The shutting of these ticket offices will leave rail users in the hands of far from efficient automatic machines.

“This will seriously affect many older rail users unfamiliar with them.

“Greater Anglia continue to reduce staffing with no respect for the increased security concern of users and disabled people. These reductions must cease.”

The 14-day consultation ends on Monday.

Sign the petition here or write to Transport Focus, Freepost (RTEH-XAGE-BYKZ), PO Box 5994, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 9PZ. Email advice@transportfocus.org.uk.