Local MP Robbie Moore has raised the potential closure of ticket offices in Keighley and Ilkley with Rail Minister Huw Merriman.

During an urgent question to the House of Commons, Mr Moore said that he was "deeply concerned" by the proposals and urged residents to make their views known by submitting a response to the official consultation.

The MP also a requested an urgent meeting with Mr Merriman, which the Minister accepted.

Speaking in the House, Robbie Moore MP said: “Of course, it is healthy to carry out a review to make positive change, but I have to say that I am deeply concerned to hear that Northern are considering closing the ticket office in Keighley and in Ilkley.

"I'm yet to be convinced that these changes will have a positive impact on disabled passengers, elderly passengers, those with accessibility issues and of course those who want to carry out more complex transactions.

"And this is from two stations, Mr Speaker, where we have one in six people carrying out these transactions - higher than the national average. So will the minister meet with me so that I can express my concerns but also reiterate to the House that this is a consultation and there is no done deal and urge people to be able to give their views to the consultation.”

Rail Minister Mr Merriman responded that transport group Transport Focus would assess the consultation responses during a 35 day period, working with train operators.

The Minister said that if an agreement could not be reached regarding closures, the issue would go directly to the Secretary of State for Transport.

In a further statement Mr Moore said: "In my view, closing our local ticket offices would be completely and utterly misjudged.

"Ticket office closures will erode a vital service provision impacting those in our community who rely on their service to get around. Despite this closure proposal being put forward by Northern, they admit that more than one in six customers still use their Ticket Offices, so by going ahead with their plan, many passengers will be impacted.

"Northern’s closure plans will also severely negatively impact passengers who have accessibility issues and require face-to-face assistance.

"As your MP, I will be making my opposition to these plans clear to Northern and I urge all passengers to officially submit their objections to these plans direct to Northern by emailing TicketOffice.Northern@transportfocus.org.uk or by writing to RTEH-XAGE-BYKZ, Transport Focus, PO Box 5594, Southend on Sea, SS1 9PZ before their consultation deadline of 23.59 on 28 July 2023."