Sir - I too was shocked to hear that the advanced booking office at Oxford rail station will close shortly.

I have used it extensively and agree with your correspondent P. Hornby (Letters, August 17) that it provides a very good and helpful service with expert staff who often go out of their way to find alternative routes and cheaper fares.

Elderly people find the chairs helpful when they need to wait. Having to use the existing counter with its lengthy queues will certainly not be helpful to customers.

I believe a retail store will occupy the space - could we persuade First Great Western to think again and perhaps put service to customers before financial gain?

H Dempsey, Headington