FURTHER delight has been voiced in the wake of the announcement that threatened railway station ticket offices have been saved.

Rail operator Northern revealed in July that it proposed to close ticket offices at 131 stations across its network, including Keighley, and change opening hours at 18 others.

It said the move – which was being mirrored by train companies nationally – was in response to a trend that has seen increasing numbers of passengers buy tickets online, via apps or from station machines.

But the plans sparked widespread condemnation.

And earlier this week, Government transport secretary Mark Harper confirmed that train operators had been asked to withdraw the proposals.

Keighley's town mayor, Councillor John Kirby, welcomes the decision.

He adds: "As I said when the initial consultation was published, the proposal to close the ticket office at Keighley was short-sighted and would have had a negative impact on users of the station.

"It is now imperative that rail operators invest in the ticket office provision to provide certainty for travellers and staff."

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council and chair of the West Yorkshire transport committee, described the decision as "good news for passengers and staff".

"Leaders and rail user groups across the region had voiced their concerns about the plans – which would have had a significant impact on those passengers who use ticket offices and the staff who work there," she added.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, says: "The impact of these proposals, particularly on those who may need additional support at the station and to buy tickets, was not properly thought through.

"We’re glad the Government has listened and taken the right course of action to scrap these plans. We want our railways to be as safe and inclusive as possible so more people use them."

And mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said the decision was "a victory for rail passengers".

She added: "I’m pleased the Government has taken notice of mayors and the public, calling a U-turn on the plans to shut down ticket offices.

"If we want our railways to be accessible and safe for everyone, station staff are essential."

Several charities have also applauded the decision.

Louise Rubin, of disability equality charity Scope, says: "This is a victory for the hundreds of thousands of disabled people who called out the absurdity of closing ticket offices."