TRADE UNIONISTS rallied in Berwick-on-Tweed on Friday, condemning government plans to close almost 1,000 rail ticket offices and sack staff, leaving disabled, frail and vulnerable people unable to use railways.

Speakers at the rally in the town’s Maltings theatre included campaigners from Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), RMT general secretary Mick Lynch and North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll, who will stand for re-election next May as an independent socialist after being blocked by the Labour Party.

Mr Driscoll said that a three-week timeframe for consultations on the closures – which faces a court challenge – already excludes many disabled people.