Rail firm fails to halt strike

A rail company yesterday failed in a legal bid to halt a strike by some of its workers which threatens "considerable disruption" to services. Wales & West mounted a legal challenge in the High Court, claiming that a ballot by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union was defective.

But the court refused to give the company an injunction, leaving this Friday's strike, in a dispute over hours, still on.

The union has also called a 24-hour walkout at South West Trains over a similar row about the working week.

David Weir, Managing Director of Wales & West, said he was disappointed with the court's decision, adding that the company will do all it can to minimise disruption on Friday.