Martin Whitfield MSP and Cllr Norman Hampshire are urging people who use Dunbar’s Rail station to join them in opposing plans to slash the opening hours of its ticket office.

Under proposals published for consultation by the station operator, ScotRail, the opening hours of the office at the station could be reduced by nearly 20 hours per week.

Mr Whitfield and Cllr Hampshire have added their support to a campaign by rail unions who are opposing the proposals which would also see some offices closed elsewhere in Scotland.

Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“Dunbar Railway Station is a critically important transport hub for East Lothian, welcoming passengers from across the UK. Any reduction in the opening hours of the ticket office will have an adverse impact on local rail users as well as visitors to East Lothian.

“I’ll be making my view very clear in my response to the consultation and hope that as many other rail users and local residents as possible will also respond to highlight their opposition to reducing the ticket office opening hours.”

Cllr Norman Hampshire said:

“The local community has fought for many years to secure important improvements at Dunbar’s station, as well as increased rail services. It makes no sense at all to cut ticket office hours and the availability of staff at the station.

“There are many vulnerable people who travel on our trains and this proposal will mean if they arrive or leave this Station in the early hours or late in the evening there will be no assistance available to provide them with support or security in or around the station, which is completely unacceptable.

“I also fear that this could just be the thin end of the wedge, with further reductions or even closure on the horizon if the changes go ahead. That’s why I’m urging local people to join us in opposing the proposals and responding to the consultation before the deadline on 2 February.”

Further information about the consultation and how to respond can be found at ScotRail Ticket Office Consultation | ScotRail