With drivers beeping horns in solidarity and passers-by stopping to discuss changes to railway services, campaigners are hopeful that their cause is gaining traction.

A number of protestors from disabled support groups and unions turned out in front of Norwich train station to protest against the closure of at least 1,000 ticket offices around the country.

The shake-up comes as rail firms say passenger numbers stand at their lowest since 2002 and revenue lies 30pc below pre-Covid levels.

Norwich Evening News: Banners were hung outside the gates to Norwich train stationBanners were hung outside the gates to Norwich train station (Image: Newsquest)

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Dave Welsh, convenor for NOR4NOR (Norfolk for the Nationalisation of Rail), said: "I've been outside the station many times protesting and I've never known the level of public anger and dissatisfaction like with this.

"It's touched a chord with people - old and young.

Norwich Evening News: Protestors outside Norwich train stationProtestors outside Norwich train station (Image: Newsquest)

"People are starting to see that the services are being dehumanised and where will that leave us in the long run? I think it'll be in a really difficult situation.

"It gives us a platform to talk about public ownership and how you need to have people around to help on the railways, assisting people who may need help with their journeys."

The protests come amid news that consultation talks, which initially finished on July 26, could be extended after claims that the 21-day consultation was too short and discriminatory against disabled people who say they've been "completely ignored".

Norwich Evening News: Campaigners were talking and handing out leaflets to passers-by about the closure of the ticket officesCampaigners were talking and handing out leaflets to passers-by about the closure of the ticket offices (Image: Newsquest)

One disabled commuter, Mick Hardy, said: "I hope the protests will force a U-turn in the decision to get rid of the ticket offices.

"I want them to reverse their decision because there are so many things that are detrimental to closing the ticket offices down."

Mr Welsh added: "We've got a wide variety of groups here from different communities.

Norwich Evening News: There is another protest planned outside Norwich train station on August 16There is another protest planned outside Norwich train station on August 16 (Image: Newsquest)

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"Everyone is now onboard with the idea that passengers need to be part of the campaign and discussion, in order to save the social railway.

"It's really encouraging and I feel we can push forward with this."

Another protest is planned outside the station on August 16, where Greater Anglia has said the ticket office would become a 'Customer Information Centre'.