TRAIN users are concerned after a rail union claimed ticket offices across south Cumbria are at risk of closure.

Rail union RMT revealed ‘imminent plans’ by the rail industry for mass closures of ticket offices across the network, with over 1,000 ticket offices at impending risk of closure including at Oxenholme, Windermere, Appleby, Grange, Barrow and Ulverston.

But a spokesman from the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents train operators, said no decisions had been made over the future of the country’s ticket offices.

However, they added that many jobs in the industry would need to change as more passengers ‘migrate’ to digital technology.

Nigel Assheton-Smith said: "They are taking away a choice, that for many elderly is not really a choice."

Daniel McCarthy said: "Support your station staff people! They're vital to the safe operation of the railway. They help with loading and unloading wheelchair passengers, assisting people with heavy luggage, provide onward travel information, support people with disabilities, report unsafe and anti-social behaviour, and can even be responsible for saving people who come to the railway looking to do themselves harm, amongst many other tasks.

"Rail Companies across the UK are swinging the axe and making diabolical cuts to staff and facilities, at a time when we should be investing in bringing our railways up to snuff with the rest of Europe."

Publicists said: "Unfortunately this is all part of becoming a cashless society and the great re-set and will eventually happen.

"Every station has a ticket machine loads of apps on phones sell tickets. Travel agents will be your place to make rail enquiries no doubt."

Andrea Thompson said: "Always use the Millom ticket office staff are so helpful and caring."

READ MORE: Cumbrian train ticket offices 'at risk of closure' according to rail union