Dumbarton's MSP has hit out at raill bosses after ScotRail confirmed it's to press ahead with plans to cut ticket office hours at stations in the area.

The move comes on the back of a public consultation run by transport watchdog Transport Focus that reviewed the ticket office opening times of 117 stations throughout Scotland.

And despite stations such as Clydebank and Dalmuir being saved from the threat of closure and hour reductions, the rail operator has confirmed it will continue to cut the hours of opening at Dumbarton Central, Alexandria, Balloch and Cardross.

Jackie Baillie MSP said people will be severely let down by the outcome.

She said: “In my response to the consultation I made clear the impact which these plans will have on my constituents at a time when the Scottish Government should be encouraging people to travel using sustainable methods, like trains.

“Instead, they want to continue to reduce the operating hours of ticket offices locally which will freeze people out of using the railways.

“Without the expertise and presence of staff at ticket offices, passengers will be forced to pay even more for already expensive tickets and safety will be severely compromised."

At Dumbarton, the cut in hours means there could see a reduced staff presence, as well as changes to access to toilet facilities, with ScotRail proposing these will be locked and available through a remote locking system.

And in Balloch, fears are a lack of staff will mean a rise in disruptive behaviour at the popular summer train station.

At Helensburgh Central, ticket office hours will be reduced but a staff member will be available outside of the reduced hours.

And at Cardross, the proposed cuts will go ahead as planned.

Ms Bailie continued: “ScotRail’s response also mentions strengthening staffing at tourist and leisure travel stations yet there is no mention of Balloch where, instead, it wants to cut operating hours.

"This is shameful especially after last summer when officers from British Transport Police were called in to deal with anti-social behaviour here.

“It is a double whammy for people travelling to work after the SNP/Green government this week pressed ahead with plans for a commuter tax which will hit people already struggling through a cost of living crisis.

“Nicola Sturgeon, whose government is set to take over ownership of the rail service in Scotland in coming weeks said she would await the consultation findings before any final decisions are made on the proposals. 

"I will watch with interest to see what her response is and urge it to be the right one for the people of Dumbarton, Alexandria, Balloch, Cardross and Helensburgh.”