CAMPAIGNERS have claimed a modest victory after plans to close train station ticket offices on evenings and weekends were revised.

First Capital Connect (FCC) had outlined plans to cut back opening hours at the ticket offices as a money saving measure, but have agreed to scale back the cuts in the face of objections from passengers.

The ticket office at Winchmore Hill will now stay open on Saturdays and Grange Park station will stay open for 30 minutes longer on weekdays than had been planned.

However, the closure of Enfield Chase station's ticket office on Saturday and that of Gordon Hill on Sundays will go ahead as planned, as will other smaller changes at other stations along the line.

Gareth Beazant, spokesman for FCC, said: “We decided to make the revisions after we consulted residents and user groups.

“We discussed the proposals with them and take on board their concerns.

“Generally we feel that the new opening hours along with support of ticket vending machines is right for each station.”

Pressure group London TravelWatch received an “unprecedented” number of objections to the proposals along the First Capital Connect route, according to chairman Sharon Grant.

She acknowledged that the financial pressures within the industry are forcing a move towards ticket machines, rather than manned offices.

But she said the response made it clear that ticket offices and staffed stations are "extremely important" to passengers.

She added: “It was clear from the sheer number of objections received that people are against de-personalisation of public services, and machines are not necessarily a practical replacement for ticket offices or other station staff.”