Labour candidates are jubilant after Transport for London halted plans to close a ticket office at Watford High Street station.

The group celebrated the Government transport body’s decision to reverse the closure which they say would have cost town jobs and heightened passenger safety concerns.

Labour activists have campaigned to save the station alongside the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers since Transport for London announced last year plans to close 51 ticket offices across north London, with their sights set on some Watford stations too.

The ticket office at Carpenders Park was also saved after a cross-party effort that included the Liberal Democrats. More than 1,000 people signed a petition by councillor Keith Martin.

Speaking about Watford High Street, Emma Kosmin, Labour candidate for Central Watford said: "This is a great day for users of public transport across Watford, especially in central. Not only have we helped keep the residents safe at the station day and night, we have helped station workers keep their jobs too."

Lib Dem Central Ward Cllr Rabi Martins said: "I'm pleased that local residents have been listened to and our campaign to keep Watford High Street ticket office open has been successful.  I'd like to thank everyone who supported this campaign and made TfL see sense over this.

"However, I am still very concerned about the prospect of there still being significant cuts to office hours. Having visible staff at local ticket offices is so important, particularly for elderly and vulnerable local residents who need to use public transport."

Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor added: "Although it's good that TfL have listened to local residents, they must now go further and commit to keeping our local ticket offices open full time. All too often Watford is neglected by Labour's London Mayor when it comes to our public transport, whether it be his backing out of the Met Line Extension and his refusal to bring fairer fares to our town.  It's time for local people's concerns to be heard."