Residents are being given more time to have their say on proposed railway ticket office closures after The Rail Delivery Group extended its consultation period.

Train companies have pledged to listen to feedback following a backlash by members of the public and politicians over plans to shut ticket offices in a number of train stations.

The proposals, if given the go ahead, would see the ticket office at Taunton train station shut for good.

But after an outpouring of opposition, train operators have extended the deadline for the consultation to a new date of September 1.

Feedback on the plans can be given at www.transportfocus.org.uk.

In a statement, Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “Train companies have listened to feedback, and are extending the time available to respond to the consultation on changes to how tickets are sold at stations to September 1.

"Operators are keen to give more people a chance to give their views on the proposals, so they can bring the railway up to date with dramatic shifts in customer buying habits, while supporting all its customers as the railway evolves and adapts.

“While local plans vary, the aim of the proposals is to bring staff out from behind ticket office windows to offer more help for customers buying tickets and navigating stations. At the same time ticket vending machines are being upgraded to offer a wider range of fares, and we have committed that no customer will have to go out of their way to buy a ticket.

“We encourage those who want to view the plans or take part to go to their local train company website or visit Transport Focus or London Travel Watch during the consultation period.”