LABOUR has criticised the Government after the Department for Transport published a guidance note explaining its reasons for allowing some London Midland ticket offices to close. Four stations are to lose their offices, and the hours at some others will be shortened.

Labour's shadow transport secretary Maria Eagle accused ministers of having 'again chosen to put the private train companies before passengers'.

She added: “Patrick McLoughlin promised that he would keep an eye on London Midland after Labour raised concerns about its poor performance at the end of last year, when only three quarters of their trains were running on time. Instead the Transport Secretary has unbelievably agreed to extend London Midland’s franchise by another four years.

“Allowing this under-performing train company to close ticket offices, making it harder for passengers to ensure they get the cheapest fares, just adds insult to injury."

The four stations which are losing their ticket offices are Cheddington, Lye, Witton and Wythall. The DfT has ruled that five others – Adderley Park, Bescot Stadium, Duddeston, Jewellery Quarter and Small Heath – will continue to sell tickets from a staffed office during at least part of the day.