With another rail strike currently expected this Saturday, December 7, train companies are warning passengers to plan ahead.

As the run up to Christmas attracts more people onto the network, West Midlands Railway is concerned that less frequent rail users may not be aware of the industrial action.

The two companies will be running reduced train services on Saturday.

Passengers are being strongly advised to check their journeys due to planned strike action by members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers.

Travel between Birmingham New Street and Euston via Northampton is expected to be very badly affected.

Passengers using London Northwestern Railway services have been affected most of all in recent weeks due to drivers refusing to cross picket lines. This has resulted in a large number of un-planned cancellations. If the strike goes ahead similar disruption is expected this weekend making travel on the Birmingham-Euston route via Northampton very difficult.

An amended timetable will be in operation and passengers are being asked to carefully consider if their journeys are really necessary, and to check on the day of travel.

Some parts of the network will have no WMR or LNR trains, including stations between Kidderminster and Hereford, including Worcester’s two stations, Great Malvern, Malvern Link, Colwall and Ledbury

Passengers holding tickets for travel this Saturday can use them on Friday, Sunday or Mondayr. If preferred, passengers can also claim a full refund.

For those who do travel, WMR or LNR tickets will be accepted on NX Bus and Metro services.

Further strike action is currently scheduled to take place each Saturday until the end of December.

Passengers are advised to watch for further announcements regarding future strike days.

For the latest information about how train services are being affected and alternative transport options on Saturday, go to wmr.uk/industrialaction or www.lnr.uk/industrialaction.