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UK News Contents: England | N Ireland | Scotland | Tuesday, 31 December, 2002, 11:54 GMT

Rail passengers across the North West are facing disruption as staff at two train companies go on strike.

Conductors at Arriva Trains Northern are staging the latest in a series of 24-hour walkouts over pay and conditions on New Year's Eve.

Services run by First North Western trains area are also affected on New Year's Eve by a 48-hour strike by drivers.

The union Aslef and the train company are in dispute over pay.

Replacement buses

A spokesman for the Arriva said: "Arriva Trains Northern will operate a robust service of trains and buses across our network."

Arriva claims 80% of its network will be covered but the RMT disputes these figures.

The First North Western services have been suspended and replaced by buses until midnight on Thursday.

Both companies are advising passengers to check with National Rail Enquiries before making their journey.

Related to this story:
New Year rail strike goes ahead (31 Dec 02 | England) Rail strike hits sales customers (31 Dec 02 | Wales) Rail strike hits festive shoppers (21 Dec 02 | Wales) Rail travellers face festive strike (10 Dec 02 | England) Thousands face rail chaos (19 Oct 02 | England) Fresh calls to end rail dispute (16 Oct 02 | England)

Internet links: Arriva | RMT | First North Western Trains | Aslef | National Rail
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