Newtown's railway ticket office to close

Newtown's privately run railway ticket office is to close permanently, it was announced today.

Newtown Station Travel has operated in the town's railway station ticket office for over 25 years and was taken over several years ago by Gareth Marston and family.

A statement issued on the business's Facebook page said the financial effects of the coronavirus crisis "and its handling" had impacted on its viability.

"It's with regret that we leave the town and surrounding area without manned presence at its railway station. However, we do have our own and our families finances to consider and can't run the business at a loss with no income coming in indefinitely.

"If we organised transport properly in this country, Newtown Station would be a manned transport/parcels interchange from very early to very late, seven days a week staffed by a transport operator.

"Let's hope more enlightened times are around the corner."

Residents and businesses in the town used ticket office for booking short and long journeys, often with the operator's knowledge ensuring passengers paid the best value for the tickets.

It is understood Transport for Wales will be installing two automatic ticket machines at the station, one on each platform.