MP campaigns against possible ticket office closure at Wanstead Tube station

An MP is campaigning to stop the possible closure of Wanstead Tube station’s ticket office.

John Cryer, Labour MP for Leyton and Wanstead, was outside the Wanstead station, in The Green, from on Thursday to alert people to plans that could leave only automated machines on the London Underground.

The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) claimed a leaked Transport for London (TfL) document suggested plans to close 268 ticket offices over the next two years, opening “travel centres” at major interchanges instead.

TfL would not confirm or deny the claims but Mr Cryer is calling on Boris Johnson to stop the change, which would be a “complete U-turn” on the mayor’s manifesto pledge to keep offices open.

Mr Cryer said: “People in Leyton, Leytonstone and Wanstead will feel less safe using deserted stations late at night, particularly older commuters and children.

“During busy times, who will ensure everybody’s safety at station entrances and foyers?”

Mike Brown, managing director of London Underground and London Rail, said: “All Tube stations will continue to be staffed in future, with staff visible and available to help our customers.”