At our Full Council meeting this week I tabled a motion calling on Haringey Council to oppose the proposed cuts to local station ticket office opening hours. I wanted the Council to throw its weight behind the campaign to stop First Capital Connect cutting the hours at Harringay, Hornsey and other local stations (see my previous post on 28 January).
Thanks to all the work from local campaigners, particularly our MP Lynne Featherstone, our local public transport ‘watchdog’ Travelwatch has objected to the decision (details here). My understanding is there is now a period of intense negotiation going on with train company to try to stop the cuts – with the Secretary of State for Transport getting the final say. Therefore, I thought it was important that Haringey send a strong signal to all parties that we care about these stations.
I’m pleased to report that the Labour Group did support my motion so it passed unanimously. However, before passing it they did amend the text of the motion to water down my positive proposal for a Haringey Public Transport Forum – to give local residents the opportunity to quiz local train and bus companies and Transport for London about local issues (and perhaps through this dialogue prevent future proposals to make cuts).
I’m disappointed about the amendment – but really pleased that through adopting the motion we’ve sent a clear signal that ticket office cuts are opposed in Haringey.