SCOTRAIL is pushing ahead with controversial plans to slash ticket office opening hours at Inverclyde rail stations - but has cancelled the complete closure of two.

The train operator launched a consultation in January proposing the closure of Cartsdyke and Woodhall ticket offices and cuts at the area's busiest stations.

The rail company attracted fierce criticism and has now confirmed that the two offices will remain open for at least two years while they hold a further review.

ScotRail has said that fewer customers have been using its ticket offices, preferring to buy their tickets online or through vending machines.

Cuts had also been proposed to ticket office opening hours at Greenock Central, Greenock West, Gourock, Port Glasgow and Wemyss Bay stations.

The only amendment the consultation response makes to these cuts is the addition of 15 minutes onto Wemyss Bay station's Monday to Thursday closing time, which is now proposed as 12.45pm.

Regional MSP Paul O'Kane welcomed the news of ScotRail's change in direction, but says passenger safety concerns remain.

He said: “The proposed cutbacks in hours and closure of ticket offices suggested Abellio ScotRail didn’t understand the value they have to train travellers.

“Their proposals failed to consider how reliant elderly and disabled passengers are on having an obvious place to go for assistance or advice at stations.

“Not everyone feels comfortable using ticket vending machines, and we know these machines can’t inform passengers about the best routes or travel prices like a ScotRail member of staff can.

“As we emerge from the pandemic and more people begin to commute to their workplaces, it’s important that ticket offices are there to inform and help passengers.

“These proposals would have been a short sighted move that failed to consider the people who rely on ticket offices and the sense of safety and reassurance they give to everyone who uses them.

“I’m relieved that for the time being these ticket offices will remain open but I am absolutely clear that communities need certainty that these ticket offices are safe from closure in the long term."