THE permanent closure of Carnforth railway station's ticket office has been postponed.

Back in February Lancashire County Council had decided to shut the popular counter in a move to save tens of thousands of pounds, subject to a public consultation.

However, feedback from members of the public revealed how "highly valued" the ticket office is, especially by older and disabled people.

Last week's county council cabinet meeting heard that 90 per cent of people who responded said they "strongly disagreed" with the closure - with Bolton-le-Sands Women's Institute gathering a petition of 35 names appealing for it to stay open.

Councillors heard many consultees would use public transport less if the office closed as they would find it harder to buy tickets or find out travel times online, rather than face-to-face.

Members were also told there had been expressions of interest from third parties to take over the management of the office. They voted to keep the counter open while the council explored these offers.

Cllr Lizzi Collinge, who represents Lancaster East on the city council, said she was glad the council had "seen sense" and was looking at ways "to keep this vital service in Carnforth".

Ms Collinge said: "The results of the consultation confirms what I've been saying all along - the local community really value the service and any closure would disproportionately affect older people and people with disabilities.

"It would also impact public transport use, with 65 per cent of people in the consultation saying they would use public transport less if the centres close."

Ahead of the cabinet meeting, Ms Collinge and Lancaster city councillor John Reynolds had written to cabinet members urging them to postpone the closure.

Mr Reynolds said he had been sent "many emails and messages from extremely concerned residents, tired of cuts to services from county and demanding the ticket office be saved".

He added: "I see this centre as many others do as a red line; to let it close would be damaging to people who use it, and the wider economy, particularly tourism."

Back in February, more than 100 residents attended a public meeting in Carnforth to protest against the threatened closure. At the time, Lancaster city councillor Peter Yates told the Gazette he feared some passengers would be unable to get to grips with electronic ticket machines, and described the potential closure as a "backwards" step.

He said the ticket office had been "a massive success", with its friendly and knowledgeable counter staff giving travel advice and helping passengers buy the right ticket.