ScotRail are saying reduced booking office hours at some train stations will not make events similar to those seen at Troon last year any more likely or dangerous.

The changes, proposed by ScotRail would see major reductions on opening times, particularly at smaller stations.

Prestwick Town station’s new hours would be 0630-1345 Monday-Thursday, 0645-1715 on Friday, 0800-1630 on Saturday’s and 0930-1415 on a Sunday.

Girvan would see major reductions with Monday-Saturday hours being 0720-1230 with the booking office completely closed on a Sunday.

Ayr Station would see the smallest reduction, opening from 0530-2030 Monday-Saturday while Sunday hours would be 0840-2000.

While Troon would only be open 0630-1315 Monday-Thursday closing slightly at the later time of 1530 on a Friday. Weekend times would be 0745-1530 on Saturdays and 1015-1400 on Sundays.

After Troon station burnt down last year, while on-duty staff attended an event elsewhere, the Advertiser raised concerns of similar events and the increased likelihood that staff would not be on hand to quickly deal with this.

A ScotRail spokesperson said: “On the day of the fire at Troon station, ScotRail had a pre-planned event to support the Safer Shores initiative, which aims to make sure everyone can enjoy a day at the beach without anti-social behaviour. The initiative was supported by British Transport Police and local ScotRail Manager who were present.

“If any other member of ScotRail staff had been on duty, there is no guarantee they would have been inside the station building at the time the fire broke out.”

For more information about opening times, visit ScotRail’s website.