Major rail company LNER is proposing cuts to the opening hours at the ticket office at Grantham and other railway stations, including Newark Northgate.

The move has been opposed by a coalition of unions and campaign organisations, including the RMT rail union.

They warn that reductions in office opening hours will leave women and girls vulnerable to violence, affect passengers with disabilities, reduce security at stations and discourage passengers from using services.

They have written to the independent watchdog Transport Focus and to the London Assembly's London TravelWatch opposing the proposal.

Their letter said: "Staffed ticket offices make the rail network more safe, secure and accessible for passengers"and point out that the cuts would worsen passenger safety, security and accessibility.

"We believe that certain groups, such as elderly passengers, disabled passengers, and women and girls may be particularly disadvantaged by the proposals."

LNER says their proposal reflects changing passenger numbers and better reflects current demand.

Its website has been inviting comments, but the deadline for comments passed earlier this week.

With the proposals still at the consultation stage, with the feedback still to be assessed, there is as yet, no firm timetable when the changes will be introduced.

A spokesperson for LNER, said: " We are revising the opening hours at Travel Centres operated by LNER, following a review of customer buying behaviour that we undertook to ensure our operating hours are efficient and in line with customer demand.

"The proposed changes include a reduction in hours, as well as opening earlier in other travel centres, to ensure greater alignment with the needs of our customers.

"Customers are able to purchase tickets in a number of ways, including at ticket machines, lner.co.uk, our app and via phone by calling our Customer Contact Centre on 0345 722 5333 ."