Gatwick Express strike called off

Aslef has been negotiating a pay deal for eight months

A series of planned strikes by drivers that would have hit rail journeys to Gatwick Airport over the Bank Holiday weekend have been suspended.

Aslef members on the non-stop express link between London Victoria and Gatwick were due to walk out on Friday, next Tuesday and 8 September.

But Gatwick Express management said the strikes had now been suspended while a new pay offer was considered.

"We are optimistic that an agreement can be reached," said a spokesman.

Days of action

Managing director Peter Cotton said the company hoped there would not be any strikes.

Three further days of action are planned on 11, 22 and 25 September.

The walkouts were announced last week by Aslef, which blamed the company for not making an acceptable pay offer to the 46 Gatwick Express drivers.

Mr Cotton said the company had been negotiating for eight months.