Only a few Northern Rail trains will operate on Monday if a one-day strike by drivers goes ahead.

Members of the RMT and ASLEF unions working for Northern Rail in the North West have been balloted over industrial action on issues such as operating duties, scheduling of meetings and lengths of shifts.

They will take action unless last-minute talks are successful.

If the walkout goes ahead, just five services will remain in operation.

Services between Leeds and Lancaster and Morecambe will survive, but Blackpool to Manchester and Clitheroe to Manchester services will be scrapped.

A normal timetable would be running again on Tuesday.

Transpennine Express, which operates some of the trains to Manchester Airport, and Virgin West Coast services are not affected.

A statement from Northern Rail said: "Northern Rail is advising passengers in the North West of England that they will need to find alternative transport if proposed strike action goes ahead on Monday.

"Discussions will continue and Northern hopes to reach agreement in order for the proposed strike to be called off."

Because of the scale of the strike, replacement bus services will not be provided, except for key routes such as school services.

Heidi Mottram, managing director of Northern Rail, said: "We are hopeful that we can reach agreement with our drivers' representatives and that the strike will not take place."

If the proposed strike action takes place, Northern Rail services will not operate in the North West, Lancashire and Cumbria on Monday with the following exceptions:

* Leeds – Settle and Carlisle - the normal timetable will be in operation

* Newcastle – Carlisle – the normal timetable will be in operation

* Leeds – Lancaster/Morecambe – the normal timetable will be in operation

* York / Leeds / Bradford – Blackpool – an amended timetable will be in operation

* Leeds / Bradford – Manchester Victoria – an amended timetable will be in operation

* Services will not operate between Manchester Victoria and Huddersfield – except the 06.48 Marsden to Leeds which will operate as normal

Services will not operate between Manchester Piccadilly and Sheffield.
Further information is available from National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 and at www.nationalrail.co.uk

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