Passenger groups are objecting to cuts that would mean railway ticket offices closing earlier.

South Eastern Trains is reviewing its ticket office hours and has proposed earlier closing for stations on its Hastings to London line.

The office at Hastings, which is usually open until 11.30pm, would close at 8pm on weekdays, 7pm on Saturdays and 6pm on Sundays.

There would also be new hours for stations in Battle, St Leonards Warrior Square and Robertsbridge, with many ticket offices closing in the early afternoon.

Brian Cooke, a member of the Rail Passengers Council, said: "It will lead to substantial inconvenience for passengers, increased levels of vandalism, graffiti and antisocial behaviour."

A spokesman from South Eastern Trains said the new hours were being proposed because too few tickets were sold at off peak times and new ticket machines that accept credit cards were now available.

He said staff would be sent out into stations to help passengers.