Rail strike hits holiday services

Rail strike hits holiday services

Virgin will not be running services between Plymouth and Penzance

A strike by members of the RMT union is hitting rail services across the South West.

Wessex, Wales and Borders, and Virgin trains are affected by the 24-hour stoppage.

It came as London's Paddington station, the main terminus for South West services, shut over the Easter Bank Holiday.

The strike is being held in protest by members of the union over changes in the safety role of guards on services.

Engineering work

Virgin says it is running 65% of its normal cross country services, but nothing between Plymouth and Penzance.

Wessex is running a third of its normal branch line trains. First Great Western trains are not affected.

London's Paddington Station is shutting for four days over Easter because of engineering work.

South West tourism leaders are warning the action could cost the industry millions of pounds.

They say the strike action is extremely frustrating and will force people into their cars, putting even more strain on the roads over the holiday period.

Paddington station to shut

South West Tourism, the regional tourist board, said: "In this increasingly competitive market, you really need all the help you can get."

The dispute has been caused by a change in the safety role of conductors if the train breaks down or is involved in an emergency situation.

A rule introduced three years ago means the conductors' responsibility is for the safety of the passengers. But they are no longer involved in additional safety duties outside the train.

The RMT wants this rule overturned and the other elements of their safety role reinstated.

The Association of Train Operating Companies said the strike was "cynically timed by the RMT to coincide with the busy Easter weekend when thousands of passengers are trying to get away for a holiday.

"We urge the RMT to call off its strike, and get back to common sense in addressing its grievances."

The RMT has said it believes it is perfectly justified in taking strike action.