TUBE users in the area are undecided about plans to slash the opening hours of ticket offices at a number of stations, but some have raised concerns about safety and the inconvenience it could cause.

Last week it was reported that Transport for London (TfL) had confirmed plans to shut one of the two ticket offices at Woodford and South Woodford, and reduce the opening hours at the remaining offices at these stations as well as at Wanstead and Snaresbrook.

Some of the offices will have their hours cut by more than 50 percent, with Sunday openings suffering the biggest cuts.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson defended the plans, saying that staff would still man stations and would be on the platforms, and that ever-increasing use of Oyster cards meant less ticket offices were needed.

The Guardian asked commuters at one of the affected stations what they thought about the changes.

Sarah-Jane Adams, 26, Gwen Park Estate, Woodford Green
It's a serious issue. What if you need to get some money back on your card if you've been overcharged? The staff might be there but they can't access the information on the system.

Shahla Ireland, 60, Kings Avenue, Woodford Green
It doesn't affect me because I have a Freedom Pass, but I'd be concerned for my children if they need to top up their card. And you can't ask anyone if you have a problem. It is an inconvenience.

Janet Doree, 50, Colvin Gardens, Hainult
I hardly use this Tube station, I normally use Hainault. You rarely see staff around anyway. I suppose I just use my Oyster, scan in and and scan out, and get on with it.

Victoria Ellison, 27, Woodland Way, Woodford Green
If there's no-one around then it's an ideal place for muggers. What's worrying is the fact that there's no-one around if something goes wrong.

Susan Chinyerere, 35, Spruce Croft, Harlow
I use Oyster but if I have to take the children out in half-term and I can't get a ticket for them then that would be difficult.

Claire Roust, 37, The Avenue, Highams Park
I don't think it'll really affect me. I usually use Highams Park and there's usually nobody there so I suppose I'm used to it now.