The proposed changes to the rail network affect everyone in the Tyne Valley, but will particularly hit those who rely on station staff. 

Under the proposals, Northern's proposed ‘Journey Maker’ hours will be Monday to Friday 09.00 to 12.30. This is a reduction from the current ticket office hours of 07.15 to 17.30.

The Government and the rail companies are refusing to say how ticket office closures will hit vulnerable rail users or impact commuters to Newcastle, Carlisle or elsewhere. These changes certainly wont lead to much-needed upgrades for the Tyne Valley's rail service.

One in nine tickets are still sold at physical ticket offices. That represents over 150 million of the 1.4 billion rail journeys recorded over the past year.

Many of those passengers relying on ticket offices may otherwise struggle to use digital alternatives, it is vital that those users will still have access to the support they need to use our rail network with confidence.

Research by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has found that only 3% of people with sight loss said they could use a ticket vending machine without problems and 58% said it was impossible.

This is in support of all other existing petitions. We call on Guy Opperman, Hexham's Conservative MP, to stand up for the people of Hexham and to protect the ticket office in Hexham.