Two train operating companies are asking passengers to plan ahead due to forthcoming industrial action.

West Midlands Railway (WMR) and London Northwestern Railway (LNR) both face possible disruption from Monday 29 January until Tuesday 6 February. Members of the ASLEF union, which represents train drivers, will undertake an overtime ban and will be taking strike action on Saturday 3 February. Passengers should check ahead before taking their journeys.

The TOC operates both WMR and London Northwestern Railway (LNR) services.  These include LNR services between Liverpool Lime Street and Birmingham New Street and along the West Coast Main Line to London Euston. WMR services operate through both Birmingham New Street and Birmingham Snow Hill, with trains running to Hereford, Shrewsbury, Lichfield, Bromsgrove, Redditch, Stratford-upon-Avon, Kidderminster and Worcester.

During the overtime ban, there will be fewer services between Birmingham and both Hereford and Shrewsbury.  The last service of the day from Birmingham New Street to Rugeley, at 23:22, will not operate.  An amended timetable will operate during the period with some possible short-notice cancellations. Services between Sunday 4 and Tuesday 6 February have yet to be confirmed.

Jonny Wiseman, WMR customer experience director, said: “It is disappointing that industrial action is continuing to affect passengers’ journeys.

“Passengers should check their journeys before setting out as services will be subject to short-notice cancellation between Monday 29 January and Friday 2 February. I also urge passengers not to rely on late services as last trains may be earlier than usual. No WMR services will operate on Saturday 3 February.

“Anyone holding a ticket for travel on a strike day can use their ticket on a different day or claim a full refund.”