A disability rights campaigner has hit out at plans to close nearly 1,000 train station ticket offices – saying it discriminates against wheelchair-users, blind and partially-sighted passengers.

Sue Groves says the proposal for losing counter service would be “disastrous” for those who need help.

Consultations are taking place across England and train operators, including Southeastern and Thameslink, could scrap offices with staff deployed in support roles on platforms and foyers.

The 59-year-old Chatham resident said the move creates further barriers and could deter some from travelling by train.

She said: “This is a step backwards. Vending machines can be inaccessible in a wheelchair and awkward when also having to get your card out to pay.

“The ticket office is a focal point for disabled people. They know they can see somebody face-to-face and ask for assistance.

“It’s not the same as making your way to the platform in Chatham where there might be crowds of schoolchildren and commuters to ask somebody for help.

“This will cause extra anxiety. Travelling by train is already challenging if you are blind or partially sighted. This will be scary for them.

“If people have one bad experience they might not come back.”

The disabled mum added special deals, including 50% discounts for wheelchair users, were not available from the machines.

Ms Grove, who was made an MBE for her services to the disabled, was also critical of the “tight” 21-day consultation period.

Between 2021 and 2022, 990 million train journeys were made and around 118 million were made by buying a ticket over the counter, which campaigners argue is a significant number.

Southeastern has launched a consultation on the future of ticket offices across its network which could lead to job losses.

People can comment on the future of stations in Bromley and Bexley, such as Bexleyheath, Belvedere, Bromley North, Bickley, Erith, Shortlands and Welling until Wednesday.

Other stations, including those in Kent, will be consulted on in the autumn which could result in nearly every ticket office in the county closing within the next three years.

The train company says the aim is to make staff more available to assist customers face-to-face, for those who need help, and to provide technology like e-tickets and Pay-As-You-Go for those happy to self-serve.

Rail unions believe the move will lead to redundancies.