An MP has voiced concern over plans to close the ticket offices at two rail stations.

Catherine West, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, has called for an “urgent” meeting with Govia Thameslink over their proposals to change ticket buying at Alexandra Palace rail station, of Wood Green and Hornsey rail station, of Tottenham Lane.

The plan is to replace the ticket offices with “station hosts.”

The hosts will be staff members who will be brought out “from behind the window and on to the concourse” from the first to last service each day.

Tickets will be sold on handheld devices and machines rather than in the traditional office.

Ms West said: "I’m very concerned that Govia Thameslink have announced plans to close the ticket offices at Alexandra Palace and Hornsey train stations.

“These plans are worrying because ticket offices are important, not just for selling tickets, but for helping customers and offering the safety and security of knowing a station is staffed – and where to find staff in the event of an emergency.

“They’re particularly important for elderly and disabled customers, who often rely more on ticket office staff for assistance.

Ms West also highlighted that it could “worsen” rail travel for customers.

She added: “Travelling customers are already paying a small fortune to use our trains.

“It’s essential they don’t suffer a worse service so that train companies can seek ever bigger profits."

The train company plans to hold public consultations to get feedback on the proposals.

The consultations will be discussed with London TravelWatch and Transport Focus, before being put forward for approval from the Department for Transport.

A spokesperson for Govia Thameslink Railway said: “We want to modernise the way we operate approximately 80 of our busier stations across Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink for the benefit of passengers, many of whom now buy their tickets online, or use Oyster, contactless and smartcards.”