CELEBRATION is in the air as Tynedale residents welcome the news that Hexham train station will remain open.

The news comes after the government confirmed that they have dropped plans to close ticket offices around the UK.

This is after the result of the consultation with various train operators which was used to determin whether or not ticket offices were needed with many passengers using technology to book tickets.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers claim that over 750,000 responses  were received by the watchdogs during the public consultation, with 99 per cent of people opposing the proposals.

Hexham Mayor Derek Kennedy said:"The users of the train service at Hexham will be very happy with the news that the Government-led closure plans have been overturned by public pressure. "Hexham Town Council voted for the train office to remain open. We are very pleased. 

A spokesperson for the Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership also adds:"We are pleased that the voices of rail passengers have been heard and now wait to see how train companies respond."

Guy Opperman also said:"This is the right decision for local residents and ensures there will be continued staffing levels in the ticket office at Hexham Station. 

"Local people raised issues of accessibility at Hexham throughout the consultation with me, so I am pleased Northern and the Department for Transport have listened to these concerns. 

"I will continue to work with the Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership, Northern and the Government to improve reliability on our railway."