Train services cancelled across Shropshire and Mid Wales as Arriva drivers strike

Arriva Trains Wales services across Shropshire were cancelled because of industrial action.

And, with more rain forecast, police warned that many roads in the region were an accident waiting to happen. They urged all motorists to check tyres and to keep their distance, following a number of cases in which vehicles have aquaplaned on sodden roads.

Hopes of the rail strike being halted were dashed last night when unions said no talks were taking place and that the action was "locked in".

The strike by drivers at unions Aslef and RMT is due to a failure to resolve a row over pay and conditions.

Union leaders say an overtime ban that started last week was already having an impact, claiming that like many train operators, ATW relies on drivers working overtime.

This morning a usually busy Shrewsbury Railway Station was empty as commuters made alternative travel arrangements.

The station normally handles around 300 trains a day but industrial action means only 20 trains are expected to pass through today.

The Virgin service to London and London Midland services are still running but trains to Manchester, Crewe, Aberystwyth and the Heart of Wales line have been cancelled.

Gobowen railway station was also deserted today, with no trains running on the Shrewsbury to Chester line.

The electronic sign on the Victorian station announced: "There are no Arriva Trains Wales services operating today."

Most commuters had made other arrangements for their travel although one man, who wouldn't be named looked bemused as he was told the 8.41am train was not running.

"I was supposed to be in Shrewsbury for a meeting," he said.

For staff at The Station Cafe in the waiting room is was a lonely morning. The cafe is run by Gobowen's Derwen college to provide refreshments for train travellers and also valuable work experience for the students with learning disabilities who study there.

With the students still on their Christmas holidays, staff members Jade Harris and Georgina Johnson found themselves with no customers.

"We heard about the strike first thing this morning but decided to come in a open up just for a short time to show willing," said Georgina, from Oswestry.

"The cafe is usually busy first thing in the morning with commuters enjoying our hot drinks and snacks - including bacon sandwiches. We will stay for a little while and then hopefully things will be back to normal tomorrow."

An Arriva spokesman said: "Arriva Trains Wales can confirm that the threatened 24-hour industrial action by driver unions is expected to go ahead. This will result in the cancellation of all Arriva Trains Wales services on this day and may also cause some early-morning service start up disruption on Tuesday."

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

The company tweeted:

The company added that it would not be possible to provide replacement bus services as there are insufficient numbers of buses available to use to cover more than 1,000 services that are operated each day.

A company statement 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 January 4 and to check their travel plans for Tuesday morning, January 5.

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

Gareth Thomas, HR director for Arriva Trains Wales, said: "We are extremely disappointed that the train drivers unions have not accepted our latest offer of improvements to terms, conditions and pay for their members, and that they have opted to take industrial action, even though we submitted a revised proposal to them on December 23, following productive pre-Christmas talks.

"Directors at Arriva Trains Wales have been in contact almost every day with union officials in a bid to resolve this issue and stress the urgency of the situation if disruption to customers was to be avoided."

The union denied company claims that a new offer had been made.

Simon Weller, Aslef's national organiser, who is leading negotiations for the drivers, said: "The company has not made a new offer. It has sent us a form of words. But it is not new and it is not an offer."

Aslef said it was available for talks to resolve the dispute but added there was nothing at the moment to discuss.

The pay side of the dispute has been accepted but Aslef claims the company is trying to "railroad through" changes to terms and conditions.