INVERCLYDE Council has called on Scotrail to halt its plans to close ticket offices in the district.

Municipal Buildings bosses estimate that the changes proposed in the train operator's ticket office consultation would lead to a 422-hour decrease in opening hours per week across Inverclyde.

The local authority has also highlighted the 'disproportionate' impact of closures on the district, with Cartsdyke and Woodhall being two of the three ticket offices set to close across Scotland if the controversial proposals are accepted.

In addition to the two ticket office closures, the train operator's new timetable slashes opening hours at the area's five busiest stations - Greenock Central, Gourock, Greenock West, Port Glasgow and Wemyss Bay.

The council says the proposed reductions to the opening hours would have a negative impact on the community.

In their formal response to the consultation they say the area's high levels of deprivation and an ageing population mean it is vital that efficient public transport is in place to support the social and economic activity and recovery of the community post-pandemic.

Council leader Stephen McCabe said: “This is an important consultation and one that has a disproportionate impact on Inverclyde.

“The council’s response to this consultation highlights the issues in Inverclyde and we are calling on ScotRail to change their mind on these closures and reductions in services.

“Our area has already seen rail services reduced in recent years.

“It is crucially important that high quality, reliable and regular public transport options are available to support thriving economies and maintaining our strong links with neighbouring areas.”

The council is also concerned about the potential impact the changes could have on individuals with disabilities which prevent them from using the ScotRail ticket app, electronic boards or ticket machines at stations.

It says that the removal of ticket office services 'indirectly excludes' these individuals from being able to use train services, as they can no longer ask the staff at the station.

The local authority also warned that taking staff away from stations would limit the support available for those who need support embarking and disembarking from trains.

ScotRail says no staff will lose their jobs and that they will be redeployed to provide enhanced customer services on the frontline.

The consultation has now ended, with the operator set to analyse the responses before deciding on the next steps.