Train users in Clydebank have reacted with shock and anger after ScotRail announced plans to close the ticket office at one of the town's main travel hubs.

The rail operator has proposed to adjust the opening times of around 120 ticket offices across Scotland's network, citing a change in public travel habits as the reason for the changes.

The proposals suggest closing Dalmuir ticket office at 7pm with the Clydebank office closing completely.

The Post visited the Clydebank station on Monday morning to ask service users what they thought of the plans.

Commuter Janice Thomson, who works at the Beatson Oncology, said she was saddened by the news.

She said: "I think it’s ridiculous. They’re cutting back everywhere. I work at the Beatson, and staff cuts are happening there as well."

Read more: MSPs slams "disastrous" plan to close ticket office at Clydebank railway station

Andrew Ingils, 60, a cleaner from the town, admitted he would miss the human interaction when buying a ticket.

He added: "What if the machine breaks down? What happens then?"

But not everyone was disappointed by ScotRail's plans.

Paul Gardiner, 46, said: "I don't really use the office (at Clydebank), I do it all online of at Partick when I get there."

And local Tommy Simms said: "I don't buy a ticket because I am registered blind, so it makes no difference to me."

Last week when the plans were announced, Clydebank's MSP Marie McNair slammed the decision by ScotRail and revealed she would be fighting to keep the office open.

Clydebank Post:

And Katy Clark, a Labour MSP for the West Scotland region, called for the Scottish Government to block ScotRail's proposed cuts.

She said: "This is yet another proposal of cuts from an operator that will not even be managing services from May onwards, and a real blow for those who rely on these essential services.

“It is not credible to say vending machines can fill the void. Workers have a vital role in assisting passengers and answering enquiries.

“These plans will also increase anti-social behaviour and make people feel less safe, particularly women and vulnerable people during dark Winter months.

“The Scottish Government needs to block these disastrous cuts and engage with passengers and trade unions to ensure a sustainable future for our railways.”

In December, two ScotRail ticket office staff members at Dalmuir were praised for their quick thinking when they assisted a member of the public who had concerns about a vulnerable friend on the network.

The incident took place later in the evening, meaning they potentially wouldn't have been on-hand to help with the new 7pm closing time proposed.

Read more: Staff hailed for quick response to person in need

A ScotRail spokesperson said: “There has been no real review of our ticket office opening hours for 30 years, and it is important we keep up with the changing habits of customers who no longer rely on purchasing tickets in that way.

“With more than a 50 per cent drop in the use of ticket offices, heightened by the pandemic, we want to do everything we can to make sure everyone has a hassle-free journey."