LETTER: Complaint is not front line staff

I recently wrote to you criticising East Midlands Railways for their practice of closing the waiting room/ticket office at Spalding Station during official opening hours without any warning or explanation.
This prompted a letter from a Ms Valerie Dodimead extolling the virtues of the station staff. I’m not sure why.
My complaint is with EMR, not the front line workers who I have always found to be friendly, helpful and efficient. I am delighted that their jobs now appear safe.
Ms Dodimead offers the excuse that strikes are to blame for these closures but on every single occasion when I have found the office locked there were no strikes taking place at all.
As to her other point, regarding staffing problems, I would be the last person to begrudge anyone their day off but surely it is the duty of EMR to provide adequate cover.
If they can’t keep their ticket offices manned and open the recent ruling becomes meaningless.

N Basford
Orchard Close
Donington

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