Petitions containing 3,253 signatures opposing the closure of 51 ticket offices included more than a thousand by people trying to save Carpenders Park station.

Liberal Democrat councillor Andrew Scarth praised figures published on the London TravelWatch website following a statutory consultation on the future of more than 50 London Overground ticket offices across the north of the city, including Watford High Street and Carpenders Park.

The consultation held between Arriva Rail London, London TravelWatch and rail industry bodies concluded on October 11.

Mr Scarth, who represents Oxhey Hall and Hayling wards, started a petition with fellow councillor Keith Martin to save Carpenders Park station. In total, 1,004 signatures were collected.

London Overground ticket offices are under review because they fall below the Department for Transport’s “busy” threshold.

Offices must surpass 12 ticket sales per hour to remain viable.

Transport for London said significant growth in Oyster and contactless payment methods, increased use of self-service machines and the TfL app had contributed to a low number of tickets sold at the offices.

The Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor told the Watford Observer Bushey station could also potentially see its operating hours reduced.

Cllr Martin said: “A massive thank you to all those 1,004 individuals in the community who backed our campaign to keep the ticket office in Carpenders Park station open.

“We are delighted that so many recognised the need to keep this vital service operating for South Oxhey, Carpenders Park and Oxhey Hall residents.”

Previous stories:

https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/17007373.watford-high-street-and-carpenders-park-ticket-offices-under-threat/?ref=twtrec

https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/16895406.up-to-51-london-overground-ticket-offices-proposed-for-closure-including-watford-high-street-and-carpenders-park/?ref=twtrec