The future of Bolton train station's ticket offices is uncertain after plans were annouced to close almost every railway ticket office in England could affect offices in Bolton.

Proposals to shut offices at hundreds of stations across the country are set to be unveiled by industry body the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) today, Wednesday, July 5.

Around three out of five stations in the country have a ticket office.

The vast majority are owned and run by train operators, which are under pressure from the Government to save money amid the drop in revenue caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

There are concerns that the move could lead to job losses, and put some vulnerable passengers such as those who are disabled or elderly off train travel.

An RDG spokesman told the PA news agency negotiations with the union over the changes have “stalled” and the industry is “now looking at how to move forward”.

He added: “Any changes would be subject to employee and public consultations.

“Staff always remain front of mind, so as you would expect from a responsible employer, if and when the time comes for proposals on ticket offices to be published, they will be the first to know.”

On being asked which stations in Bolton would be affected, an RDG spokesperson said they wouldn't give information on "individual ticket offices" at this point.

Rail unions have voiced their opposition to the proposals.

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) has warned that the government will meet opposition up and down the country over the plans.

It has a long-standing policy opposing mass ticket office closures, with many of its members working in those roles.

The union has previously pointed to the significantly detrimental impact such a policy would have on a number of social groups, making the railways less safe and less accessible.

Responding, TSSA Interim General Secretary, Peter Pendle said: “We are clear the government will face strong opposition from this union on the totally unnecessary mass closure of ticket offices.

“Ministers will soon realise that the public have no desire to see their rail network diminished in this way."

Last week, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch warned the union would “vigorously oppose any moves to close ticket offices”.