The leader of Merton Council has condemned leaked proposals to close every Transport for London ticket office in the borough.
Earlier this week leaked plans suggested that TfL was set to close 268 ticket offices at overground and underground stations across London and replace them with 20 ‘travel centres’ at only the busiest stations.
Instead commuters would be expected to rely on automated ticket machines.
Councillor Stephen Alambritis, leader of Merton Council, said he was "astounded" by the plans.
He said: "These plans will make travel to and from central London more difficult and less safe for Merton residents.
"I know from my own experience that the automated ticket machines are regularly out of order and we all know what it’s like when your Oyster card stops working.
"Commuters will now have nowhere to turn for help.
"Merton residents will feel less safe using the station when they know there is no one in the ticket office to help them in an emergency.
"It will have a disastrous effect on commuters and the local community."
Responding to fears over potential closures Mike Brown, managing director of London Underground and London Rail said: "We are investing in London Underground to support jobs and growth in London and across the UK.
"We are committed to running more trains and that all tube stations will continue to be staffed in future, with staff visible and available to help our customers."
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