Rebecca Pow MP has welcomed a move by rail operators to extend consultations over plans to close railway ticket offices.

It comes after train companies extended the consultation to Friday September 1.

Welcoming the decision she said: "I welcome this news, needless to say the idea of change can bring concerns and I have been in liaison with GWR over this and the time scale for their consultation to gather views and I am pleased they have now extended until September 1st, so do make sure you take part if this is relevant to you or your family.

"I use Taunton station on a regular basis and I have spoken to some of those working to understand what the proposed changes might mean here. In my discussions with GWR I have been assured that the station will remain open for the same hours as it is today with no changes to access for waiting rooms, toilets and lifts and the needs of those with disabilities will be taken into account, something I stressed I will continue to make the point on if I don’t see enough action.

"The idea is that staff will be at the station to offer advice on tickets/journeys and to help buy tickets through the Ticket Vending Machines, or to offer help and advice on digital purchase.Taunton is a much-used station and under this Government it has had significant investment to upgrade the facilities, including the multi storey car park and new road junction, all of which I worked closely on with stakeholders over recent years.

"Passenger numbers continue to hold up well post-Covid19 and it’s important that the station can continue to service its customers well to ensure a sustainable future, so we must ensure it is fit for purpose for the years ahead.”