麻豆社

The scrapping of plans to close hundreds of rail ticket offices in England has been welcomed by campaigners in Leicestershire.

Train companies are under pressure from the government to cut costs. They had argued staff would be better used helping passengers in person, in other areas of the station adding that only 12% of tickets were now bought at station kiosks.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said the government had asked train operators to withdraw their proposals because they failed to meet high passenger standards. However, a source told the 麻豆社 rail bosses were "furious", saying the original plans had been approved by the Department for Transport.

The proposals had sparked concerns from unions and disability groups. Disabilities campaigner Sarah Leadbetter from Narborough tells Ben Jackson her delight at the decision, and Ann Finnemore from Barwell, who signed a petition to save the Hinckley railway station ticket office, explains to Ady Dayman what difference this will mean for rail users.