COTSWOLD residents could experience travel disruption over the bank holiday due to strike action from First Great Western.

Strikes will take place from just after midnight on the morning of Saturday, August 29 and finish just before midnight on Monday, August 31.

Rail union RMT said today that strike action in the dispute with First Great Western will go ahead as planned, as the company has failed to offer clear-cut assurances on the core issues impacting on staff and passengers from the introduction of the new fleet of Hitachi inter-city trains.

The action follows a 48 hour strike last month and 24 hours of action last Sunday which led to widespread disruption to services.

One of the key issues in the dispute is the proposed introduction of driver operated doors.

The RMT claim this is a clear dilution of the important role of the guard and is contrary to RMT policy.

RMT General Secretary, Mick Cash, said: “Despite strenuous and continuing efforts by our negotiators we have not been able to secure the kind of progress we hoped for in the key areas of jobs, services and safety for us to reach an agreement.

“As a result we have no option but to push ahead with the action planned for this weekend.

“The fact remains that if it is good enough for East Coast, using the same trains, to meet the very basic assurances sought by this trade union then it is good enough for First Great Western as well.

“We congratulate our members for their rock solid support for the strike action last month and last weekend and we know that they remain united and determined as we continue with our campaign on these crucial issues. RMT remains available for talks.”