West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has expressed her concern about plans to close two ticket offices at Malvern Link and Great Malvern stations.

The MP has written to the regulator asking for it to explain the decision taken by West Midland Trains to shut both ticket offices.

Harriett has shared her concerns about the impact this may have on local rail users, and in particular the more elderly customers who may not be familiar with getting train information or tickets over the internet or through their mobile phone.

Harriett said:

“Both Malvern train stations are popular throughout the day, and I am disappointed to see the train operator looking to make these changes.

“Over recent years we have seen bad reliability for Malvern rail users and now West Midland Trains seem to be unable to provide any hope of improvements.

“I have asked Transport Focus to immediately review this decision. Great Malvern station is in the middle of a facelift and Malvern Link was only recently improved.

“I am keen for an independent assessor to look at demand and footfall and ensure that Malvern commuters and visitors to the town are not now deterred from using the train.”