Islington Labour councillors have welcomed news that the decision on the future of London Overground ticket offices has been delayed. 

Earlier this month, councillors raised their opposition to proposals by Arriva Rail London to close ticket offices at two London Overground stations in Islington – Canonbury Station and Caledonian Road & Barnsbury Station – as part of plans to close 51 ticket offices across the network.

Cllr Claudia Webbe, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Environment & Transport, responded to the consultation on the proposals, raising concerns about the impact of the closures on local people, especially disabled, elderly and more vulnerable people (see letter below).

At its Board Meeting on 23rd October, London TravelWatch agreed to delay a decision on the proposed closures due to the scale of the response to the consultation. The report to the Board can be viewed here.

Commenting on the delay, Cllr Claudia Webbe, Executive Member for Environment & Transport at Islington Council, said: 

“We welcome London TravelWatch’s decision to delay making a decision on the proposed closure of ticket offices at Canonbury Station and Caledonian Road & Barnsbury Station. There’s been a massive response to the consultation, including my letter on behalf of Islington Council, and I hope the voices of local people who are concerned about the proposals will be heard.

 

“I am concerned that the proposed closures of ticket offices in Islington will have a negative impact on disabled, elderly and other more vulnerable people. Staffed ticket offices provide help and advice for many people, and everyone knows where to go for help when a ticket office is open. What we need are more staff on our stations to support passengers, as well as open ticket offices, and I made that clear in my response to the consultation.”