We asked a direct question regarding the possible closure of Templecombe station ticket office and got the following reply from SW Trains Managing Director Andy Pitt during the “Live web chat” on September 15:
“We have no plans to close Templecombe ticket office. We will be revising the opening hours following the Network Rail closure of the signal box and the withdrawal of their staff who currently retail tickets at this location. At this time I do not have a date when the Network rail box will close, but the ticket office opening hours will not be changed until after this date.”
In response to an earlier general question, Mr Pitt said “We have no immediate plans to implement the recommendations made in the McNulty report, but will continue to review opening hours across our network at every ticket office to ensure they reflect the commercial demands of the market.
“Available sales channels for customers to purchase rail tickets have grown significantly over the last few years because of new technology, and whilst ticket offices will still play their part, customer demand dictates that we continue to retail in the most cost-effective way”.
We say – not having plans to close it does not mean it will stay open for ever. We think rail users should keep up the pressure, and would urge our local politicians to keep an eye on the situation.