Labour politicians and campaigners have launched a campaign to save three East Lancashire railway station ticket offices from closure.

On Tuesday it was announced Northern plans to close the ones at the Accrington, Burnley Manchester Road and Burnley Central train hubs for good as part of major changes.

This would just leave the ticket office at Blackburn station operating.

Now Labour's prospective Parliamentary candidates for Hyndburn and Burnley, Graham Jones and Oliver Ryan, have launched a bid to save the threatened ticket offices from closure.

And they have been backed by Burnley Council leader Cllr Afrasiab Anwar.

Mr Jones, a former Hyndburn MP, has contacted Rail Delivery Group chair Steve Montgomery, saying: "I am writing to express my concern about the proposed closure of railway station ticket offices in England, particularly at Accrington station.

"I strongly believe staffing and ticket offices should be retained as they provide essential services to local communities and vulnerable people.

"The closure of ticket offices could have a significant impact on passengers' ability to buy tickets, arrange assistance, and travel independently."

Mr Ryan, who has written to Transport Secretary Mark Harper, said: "Burnley's Manchester Road and Central ticket offices may be closing.

"Our stations are being downgraded, this is not 'Levelling Up'.

"That news will be deeply worrying to elderly and disabled residents, the people employed in our rail industry, and all those who rely the support and advice provided by staff in ticket offices."

Burnley's Conservative MP, Antony Higginbotham, said: "We all know that the railways need modernising.

"Having people behind glass screens was needed one day, but times have changed. Most passengers now book tickets themselves via an app or ticket machine.

"I want to see rail station staff out from behind the screens, engaging with passengers on platforms, in waiting rooms, and helping them book tickets and get on with their journey that way.

"My focus is on having affordable ticket prices and an upgraded rail service for the travelling public of Burnley and Padiham.”

Cllr Anwar has told Northern's chief operating officer, Tricia Williams: "The closure of these offices would disproportionately affect vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those with disabilities or limited access to digital platforms.

"Moreover, the presence of ticket offices provides a sense of security, reassurance, and human interaction that cannot be replaced by automated machines or online platforms."

Ms Williams said: “Only one in six journeys on Northern services are purchased through a ticket office, this compares to almost half of all journeys in 2018.

"We need to modernise to meet the changing needs of our customers and we are seeking views from the public on these proposals."

Blackburn Labour MP Kate Hollern said: "Whilst I am relieved that Blackburn Ttain station is not included amongst the current list of proposed ticket office closures, it being a busy station with over a million tickets being issued every year, I remain concerned at the impact that these closures will have – particularly on the elderly and other vulnerable groups in society.  "This movement to online ticket purchasing and automated machines, whilst convenient for many, is just another step along the road of reducing human contact.

"It concerns me that any hindrance to using public transport will only further serve to increase this problem."