The problem is the government proposal to close all train ticket offices. The ticket office at Loughborough station, for example, is vital to the community and to the staff who face the possibility of being made redundant. Apparently more people now buy their train tickets online rather than in person but this doesn’t invalidate their function or usefulness. Age Concern says around 3 million people over the age of 65 do not have internet access and many more people lack an up to date smart phone or tablet or they live in a place with unreliable broadband. Furthermore, it is the preference of many people to buy their ticket from a ticket office because it gives them the opportunity to discuss the best routes at the best time and to resolve problems. Personally I have had three occasions in the last few months where I needed to seek advice, change tickets because of Covid and also a bereavement and the issues have been resolved at the ticket office with competence, understanding and kindness. I have also witnessed the patience and helpfulness of ticket office staff serving people who have difficulty understanding English. The people working in these ticket offices provide an invaluable service to the community and don’t deserve to live in fear of losing their jobs.