Grand Central has announced that thanks to a collaboration between themselves and Northern, Eaglescliffe ticket office can continue to operate.

Last month, independent ticket retailer, Chester-le-track, announced it would cease trading from Eaglescliffe due to a fall in revenue and a rise in online sales.

Tuesday saw Grand Central announce the ticket office at Eaglescliffe would remain open to provide a service for customers wishing to plan rail journeys and buy tickets in person.

Grand Central has worked with Northern to make sure that the ticket office remains open and now is working to develop a long-term plan for Eaglescliffe.

The ticket office will be staffed by Grand Central from the 3rd April and will be open from 7 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 7 am to 1 pm on Saturdays.

A former employee of Chester-le-track has joined Grand Central to ensure local knowledge is maintained.

Eaglescliffe station serves 200,000 train passengers every year. Train operating company Grand Central, runs five direct trains to London every day.

What did the officials say?

Grand Central Managing Director Richard McClean said:

“This ticket office has been highly valued by its customers for many years and we’d like to thank Chester-le-Track’s staff for delivering such great support to passengers over the years.

“Following consultation with customers and local companies who prefer to plan train and journeys and buy tickets in person, we’re delighted to announce that the ticket office at Eaglescliffe will remain open.

“Our customers appreciate that personal service and people come from all over Teesside to catch Grand Central services from Eaglescliffe.

“We are committed to ensuring that our customers continue to receive a good experience when travelling from Eaglescliffe station and that includes full access to station facilities.

“We’ve collaborated closely with the station operator Northern and we are pleased that we have been able to work together to keep the ticket office open for the benefit of all passengers and the community.”

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