Nearly every railway ticket office in the county is set to close if new government plans are given the green light.

It is thought just Brighton railway station's facility will survive, with those at smaller services all set for closure in a bid to “modernise customer service” and save money.

But critics say the move will leave those who rely on ticket offices unable to travel.

“Another service, stripped away by this Conservative Government,” said Adur and Worthing councillor Cat Arnold.

“Lancing, Southwick and Shoreham's office's due to close.

“Where is the support for disabled, neurodiverse, young, and elderly people who need that support of a physical person?”

Trade unions are also absolutely furious, saying they will fight against the plans tooth and nail.

The Transport Salaried Staffs Association’s interim general secretary, Peter Pendle, said: “We are clear the government will face strong opposition from this union on the totally unnecessary mass closure of ticket offices.

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“Ministers will soon realise that the public has no desire to see their rail network diminished in this way.  

“The inescapable fact is booking office staff are vital because they give passengers advice and assistance on ticket information, station security and can assist those with disabilities, limited mobility or young children. 

“If it’s the case that Ministers want to begin the implementation of closures by the end of the year then they are cooking up a cold Christmas for our members and millions of rail users who will not forgive them for their short-sighted plans. 

“We urge people to take part in the forthcoming consultation in unprecedented numbers so that these daft proposals can be halted without delay, and that we retain a safe and fully accessible railway.”

There are 1,007 railway stations in England with ticket offices run by train companies operating under contracts issued by the UK Government.

A further 759 do not have a ticket office.

The Government says that just 12 per cent of train tickets were bought from a ticket office last year, down from 24 per cent in 2019.