A CAMPAIGN to save Shoebury rail station’s ticket office from closure has been launched.

The East Beach Residents’ Association says it will launch a petition if the ticket office is selected to be removed under modernisation plans.

The station would be left with one ticket machine which members claim is often out of order and prone to long queues at the terminus on the c2c Shoebury to Fenchurch Street line.

Striking rail workers cite the rumoured closures of thousands of ticket offices as part of changes to their working conditions which have led to industrial action.

Louise Wilcox, from the association, said: “My understanding is that it will include the ticket office at Shoebury. East Beach Residents’ Association will be organising a petition.

“Shoebury station is used by a high number of commuters. One ticket machine will not suffice. There is always a long queue to use the machine when the ticket office isn’t open now.”

Ms Wilcox added: “Not everyone has access to online or contactless services, so expecting all passengers to be able to purchase online tickets is unreasonable.

“The ticket office staff at Shoebury are incredibly helpful in helping passengers to find the easiest and cheapest routes when planning a journey and we don’t want to lose that service.”

One resident took to the group’s Facebook page to protest.

She said: “We quite often travel as a group with children so use the group save. This isn’t an option on the ticket machine so we either pay way over the odds or buy our tickets in London and risk getting a fine.”

Transport for All, which is campaigning against the closures, said: “It’s not just about tickets. Staff at ticket offices are the first point of contact for disabled people arriving at stations who require assistance.

“They provide information, unlock station facilities, and have a profound impact on safety and security. “ A spokesman for c2c said no decision on closures had yet been made. She added: “We are working to continuously improve our ticket machines, including user experience.

“There is a programme over the coming months to move external ticket machines to within our stations which will help improve reliability.”