Nearly 500 people have signed a petition against plans to close a ticket office.

The Liberal Democrats started the campaign to save Carpenders Park station after an announcement from Transport for London 51 ticket offices could close due to dwindling ticket sales.

Since Friday, 478 people have put pen to paper “such is the strength of feeling”, said councillor Andrew Scarth.

Councillor Keith Martin and his party started the petition shortly after learning Watford High Street and Carpenders Park were under review because they fell below the Department for Transport’s “busy” threshold.

Offices must surpass 12 ticket sales per hour to remain viable.

Cllr Martin joined RMT workers last week to distribute leaflets at Carpenders Park station and petition clipboards were placed in 11 spots throughout South Oxhey including cafés, post offices and shops.

Map of London Overground ticket offices affected

 

One lady, a Mrs Hughes, said in a letter to councillors Scarth and Williams: “What happens when the machines are out of order or have been vandalised or someone’s bank card has been swallowed up?

“If there is a queue to use the machine I can get very flustered as I don’t understand the options that appear.

“Who will assist people in wheelchairs getting on and off the train as this is also carried out by someone from the ticket office?

“We need our ticket office and staff need their jobs.”

Cllr Scarth said “I have been very impressed with the huge amount of support we have received against this dreadful closure.

“Residents on both sides of the track feel very strongly that with an expanding community in South Oxhey, and an aging population, there is a need for travellers to feel valued and supported by Transport for London.

“Accountants do not care about this local community. We certainly do. The campaign will go right on up to October 11.”

Transport for London confirmed a statutory consultation between Arriva Rail London (the London Overground operator), London TravelWatch and rail industry bodies would conclude on October 11.

For more information about the petition, visit http://www.watfordlibdems.org/ticket_office_consultation

A list of ticket offices proposed for closure can be found below