Train drivers vote to strike

Services will be hit over two weekends

Train services across north-west England, north Wales and the Borders are to be hit by two 48-hour rail strikes next month.

Drivers at two train companies, First North Western and Wales & Borders, are staging the action in separate disputes over pay.

The strikes are planned for both companies on 14, 15, 21, and 22 December.

It is hoped talks can be arranged with both firms before then.

The trains drivers union Aslef announced the stoppages after 62% of its members in First North Western voted against the latest pay deal put forward by the firm.

The firm had made an offer of a 19% increase over two years.

The union said 80% of its members in Wales and Borders trains voted for industrial action over the issue of harmonisation of pay rates.

Mick Rix, the union's general secretary, accused the Strategic Rail Authority of preventing a deal being reached in the disputes.

"Both these disputes could be resolved through negotiation without industrial action being taken.

"The SRA should stop interfering in the conduct of collective bargaining."