PLANS for the redevelopment of Redditch Railway Station will include a ticket office, despite proposals to close nearly all offices across the country.

Last week, industry body the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) unveiled plans which could lead to nearly all ticket offices being shut across the country, with facilities only remaining open at the busiest stations.

Under the plans, all ticket offices in their current form would close over the next three years but six hub stations across the WMR network including Worcester Foregate Street and Birmingham Snow Hill will be retained.

Mobile teams would move between stations and be deployed to offer extra help where needed.

Recently a public consultation has been launched for the redevelopment of Redditch Railway Station which the county council has confirmed will still include a ticket office.

The plans include the construction of a new two-storey accessible station building including passenger waiting areas, toilets, a ticket office and a retail unit.

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: “The proposals for Redditch Railway Station have been developed in partnership with the rail industry including Network Rail and West Midlands Trains and include provision for a ticket office and staff facilities, with the ability to be a flexible space ensuring what we deliver is fit for the future.”

Redditch residents have taken to social media to express their disappointment over the UK-wide closure of ticket offices.

Denise Walker posted: “I think being forced to use a ticket machine is taking away our personal choice.

“I like a personal service and to buy your ticket from the office and maybe to ask for help on queries you may have.

“It will cause long queues and people missing the train.

“I am sick of everything being online, where has our right to choose gone.”