Train drivers to strike over pay

Train drivers are to go ahead with two 24-hour strikes in a row over pay which are set to hit passengers, including music fans going to a festival.

The drivers' union Aslef said its 300 members on First TransPennine Express will walkout tomorrow and again on Friday, disrupting services on three main routes across the North of England.

The company runs trains between Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, York, Sheffield, Doncaster, the North East and the Lake District, with trains expected to be used by fans travelling to this weekend's music festival in Leeds.

Aslef official Nicky Whitehead accused the company of turning down a union offer to continue talks and involve the conciliation service Acas.

"I am appalled at the way that managers slammed the door shut after talks this morning. We felt we were making progress and offered to continue the talks. They said no. We offered to suspend the action and involve the conciliation service Acas. They said no.

"Given this brick wall style of negotiation, the dispute will now go ahead."

Leaders of the Rail Maritime and Transport union will meet later to decide its next move in the dispute.

PA