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RMT hails victory over scrapped plans to close ticket offices

UNIONS claimed victory today after London Mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed that plans to close 47 Overground station ticket offices have been scrapped.

Members of transport unions fought a seven-month campaign against plans by operator Arriva Rail London to shut 51 ticket offices in total.

In September, a formal consultation was launched after watchdog London TravelWatch received more than 7,500 objections from union members, supporters and passenger organisations.

It also received petitions from community groups and submissions from MPs, London Assembly members, local authorities, councillors and rail user groups.

Mr Khan said a £5 million pot funded by London business rates will pay to keep the offices open.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said it was a “significant victory” but warned that the union remains “vigilant” over any “backsliding.”

He added: “In our experience once a package of cuts is proposed they remain an option in the longer term.

“Any backsliding will result in a new blast of pressure from this trade union and our national campaign to staff our stations and retain ticket offices continues.”

TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said: It’s not just trade unions who were in this fight; the people of London were at the heart of overturning the proposal to take away ticket office staff.”

He added that Mr Khan should take build on the “clear mandate” from passengers to restore staff and ticket offices on the London Overground and Underground networks.

Two of the four ticket Overground ticket offices that will not be reopened — Stamford Hill and Theobalds Grove stations — will remain closed as they have been for a long time, City Hall said.

Brondesbury station will be redeveloped without a ticket office to allow for a lift.

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