Shropshire rail passengers hit by Arriva trains strike

Rail passengers in Shropshire will face disruption today as Arriva trains services are cancelled due to a strike by drivers over terms and conditions.

Aslef union members at Arriva Trains Wales are walking out for 24 hours, with all of the company's services expected to be cancelled.

The 24 hour industrial action could spell chaos for travellers on what is the first day back to work for many after the Christmas break.

In a statement the company said: "We deeply regret this disruption and continue to do all we can to avert strike action however we are advising customers to make alternative travel arrangements for Monday 4th January and to check their travel plans for Tuesday morning, January 5th.

"An indefinite train driver over-time ban is also currently in force which may impact some timetabled services until the dispute is resolved."

The strike affects services between Milford Haven and Manchester Piccadilly, between Swansea and Shrewsbury, between Birmingham International and Holyhead and between Shrewsbury and Pwllheli.

Passengers will be forced to organise alternative transport to get to work, with Arriva Trains Wales saying they are unable to provide replacement bus services due to an “insufficient number of buses available to cover the 1,000+ services” affected.