RAIL users are being urged to plan ahead after strike action is set to affect Bromsgrove and Redditch Train Stations this week.

On Wednesday, July 27, a very limited West Midlands Railway (WMR) service will be in operation due to strike action by members of the RMT (Rail, Maritime and Transport Worker) union.

Passengers are advised to only travel if essential as trains will only run between 7.30 am and 6.30 pm on a small number of routes.

There will be only two trains per hour on the Cross-City Line which runs from Lichfield Trent Valley to Redditch/Bromsgrove via Birmingham New Street.

Some minor disruption to services on the morning of Thursday, July 28 is expected due to displacement of trains.

On Saturday, July 30 there will no service on any WMR route due to strike action by members of the driver union ASLEF (Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen).

Passengers will not be able to travel with WMR as a result.

People attending Commonwealth Games events are encouraged to use alternative modes of travel, including specially laid on road transport.

Jonny Wiseman, WMR customer experience director, said: “It is very disappointing that these planned strikes are set to cause significant disruption to our customers.

“On both affected dates customers should only travel if their journey is essential and they have no means of transport available to them.

“On Saturday, July 30, the extent of the strike action means there will be no West Midlands Railway services at all and customers with essential reasons to travel will need to use alternative modes of transport.

“People holding advance tickets for travel on the affected dates can use them on alternative dates or return them to their point of purchase for a refund.”