Leaders in Trafford welcomed a U-turn on a plan to close hundreds of train station ticket offices across the country.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper announced the changes this week after concerns for accessibility, safety and support.

The U-turn on the plan to close hundreds of train station ticket offices across the county, including a number of stations on the Manchester to Liverpool line and Hale Station on the Mid Cheshire line, was proposed by operators but it was supported by the government. 

Recently the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it is the right thing to do as only one in 10 tickets are sold in ticket offices.

Campaigners against the closures included councillors on Trafford Council, as well as MP Andrew Western and metro mayor Andy Burnham, who alongside four other metro mayors threatened a legal challenge.

Mr Western was pleased with the outcome while Mr Burnham warned the government against a revival of the closures at any time in the future.

Tom Ross, the leader of Trafford Council, said: "The news the government scrapped its plan to close ticket offices is a victory for all commuters. 

"Losing ticket offices would have had damaging consequences, especially for our elderly and disabled residents, given the unattended stations would have left them vulnerable.

"Residents rely on staffed ticket offices for reasons such as accessibility, safety and support with travel arrangements.

"Adding to the welcome announcement is job security in Trafford – and across the country – has also been restored."

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "The consultation on ticket offices has ended with the government making clear to the rail industry throughout the process any proposals must meet a high threshold of serving passengers. We have engaged with accessibility groups throughout this process and listened to passengers as well as colleagues in Parliament.

"The proposals that have resulted from this process do not meet the high thresholds set by ministers and so the government has asked train operators to withdraw their proposals."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.