Chair of GLA's Transport Committee joins local campaign to keep open Epping Forest's ticket offices

Caroline Pidgeon, Chair of the Greater London Authority's Transport Committee, met with campaigners yesterday to discuss Mayor Boris Johnson's plans to reduce the opening times at four of Epping Forest's Underground Stations.

During the meeting, arranged by the Liberal Democrat parliamentary campaigner Councillor Ann Haigh, Caroline spoke with many residents outside two of the affected stations, Buckhurst Hill and Epping.

Along with other local Liberal Democrats including Councillors Peter Spencer and Janet Whitehouse, Ann Haigh and Caroline Pidgeon handed out hundreds of petition slips to commuters.

Councillor Ann Haigh said: "Many residents have approached me angry that Conservative Mayor Boris Johnson, a person we did not elect, has chosen to reduce the hours ticket offices are open. Many elderly and disabled passengers will be affected."

Caroline Pidgeon added: "Boris Johnson was elected promising to defend ticket offices so his plans are nothing less than a breathtaking breach of a key commitment he made to Londoners. What he is pushing through is a complete U-turn.

"We should be making our stations safer, more welcoming and accessible, yet the Mayor seems determined to do the very opposite."