Talks to avert Merseyrail strike

Trains services were disrupted in a strike last month

Talks are continuing at Merseyrail to try to avert two days of strike action which could disrupt Grand National racegoers at the weekend.

Guards in the RMT union are threatening to walk out on Friday and Saturday in a row over changes to working patterns.

They claim the changes could see them losing four "rest" days a year.

The management and union took part in Tuesday's talks at the arbitration service ACAS, but there has yet to be an agreement.

On Good Friday, services suffered disruption when guards went on strike.

Drivers at Birkenhead also refused to work, causing services on the Wirral line to be suspended. Replacement bus services were put on.