MP for Hertsmere Oliver Dowden has called for Govia Thameslink to scrap plans for the partial or complete closure of station ticket offices at Borehamwood, Radlett and Potters Bar.

Thameslink recently ran a consultation into proposed changes and related to all 84 of the station offices that the company manage.

Thousands took part in the consultation which closed on March 13 and both major watchdogs London Travel Watch and Transport Focus opposed the changes.

Mr Dowden said: “I am not surprised that thousands of rail users took part in the consultation and that both of the major travel watchdogs have objected to the proposals.

“Rail users have made their views clear and I hope Govia respond accordingly by scraping the proposals.

“I know that many passengers prefer to buy from the ticket office rather than from a ticket machine and I have concerns about what the closure or partial closure of ticket offices might mean for the vulnerable and less technically minded.

“There are certain services that only a staffed ticket office can provide.”

A public meeting with representatives from Govia and Network Rail was held on Thursday March 31. It was attended by more than 50 disgruntled commuters.

Many of the attendees raised concerns about the proposals to close station ticket offices.

Govia stated that the proposals would be an improvement on the status quo and they insisted that station staff selling tickets via portable machines would be clearly visible on the platform.

It was claimed that by having station staff selling tickets on the platform it would ‘bring the service to the people’.

Mr Dowden said: "Govia's representatives were keen to stress that whatever happens there will still be people selling tickets on the platform using portable machines.

“I don't think this would be the same as having a staffed ticket office. Phasing out train ticket offices would represent a significant cultural change and it is one that I have many reservations with.

“It was clear last week that that this is an issue of significant concern to many of my constituents and I writing to Govia requesting that the proposals be scrapped in light of the consultation results."