DEFENDING BERWICK STATION TICKET OFFICE.

          Members of the Rail Unions, Berwick upon Tweed Trade Union Council and other activist`s from both sides of the Border formed a campaigning picket at Berwick Station on Tuesday morning to demand that our local railway station`s Ticket and Enquiry Office is retained into the future. The Rail Union`s understand that the Tory Government and train companies are looking to close nearly all the Ticket Offices across the network.

          The action received overwhelming support from travellers who included visitors to Berwick from the USA and France as well as those from across the UK. Leaflets were given out and passengers queued to sign the Petition.

          Carol Robson, from Carlisle, said “face to face communication with a human being is so important. No machine can match that. We need people to answer questions and help with problems.”

          Mrs M Smith from Durham said she comes to Berwick every week  “and would be lost without the help of Ticket Office Staff.” Linda Town from Shipley in Yorkshire said “after finding our train to Edinburgh had been cancelled one of the Ticket Office Staff told us the time of the next train and where on the train empty seats would be available – they were so helpful and reassuring.”

         This can be seen as just another attack on vital Public Services by the Tory Government and the campaign to save our vital Ticket and Enquiry Office at Berwick Station will continue. The service is vital to Berwick and the surrounding communities.

Lorne

Picture, Keith