A newsagent at Huddersfield Railway Station says his takings have dropped by a third since the introduction of ticket barriers.
Customers who wish to use the newsagents now have to ask one of the station staff to let them through meaning many don’t bother and go elswehere.
Darryl Townend, who runs Newstrack Newsagents Ltd, says customers have deserted him in droves following the installation of the barriers in June last year.
Darryl, who has had a kiosk at the station since 1987, said: “We immediately noticed what was happening.
“We had a lot of regulars but some of them have never come back. Business is down by at least a third.
“I have asked to have a meeting with our leaseholders, First TransPennine Express, but I’ve got nowhere.”
He said he was also annoyed that after being asked to open specially for Le Tour on Sunday, when he said he was told there would be 150,000 people coming through the doors, he found there were only 8,000 travellers.
In addition he was irritated to find staff giving out free bottles of water to passengers instead of purchasing them from his store.
Paul Jackson, station manager West Yorkshire, First TransPennine Express, said: “The ticket gates at Huddersfield have proved extremely successful in reducing fraudulent travel and helping with customer flows.
“We are, of course, aware that the newsagent is behind the gateline and as such passing trade may have been reduced. Whilst we have a duty to protect rail revenue we also do not wish to disadvantage station tenants.
“We have worked with the various outlets on the station and staff have been briefed to allow access when customers request such. As you are aware, this is already in place.
“With regards to the Tour de France weekend, we were glad that the newsagent was able to open.
“The large numbers of customers travelling were provided with a choice of refreshment outlets, including the very popular food market on St George’s Square.
“FTPE provided free bottles of water for those customers queueing while waiting to board trains.”
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