Train services between London and Scotland are under threat

Train services on the East Coast mainline between Edinburgh and London are threatened as a result.

The Rail Maritime and Transport union said a majority of members at York backed industrial action in protest at plans to reduce staff by a third.

Network Rail said consultation was underway and final arrangements were yet to be agreed.

Network Rail has until Thursday to resolve the dispute or industrial action will result, the union said.

'Very disappointed'

General secretary Bob Crow said: "The proposed staffing levels will leave the electrical control room severely exposed in the event of any incident.

"We are not prepared to allow safety to be compromised just to satisfy Network Rail's balance sheet."

Network Rail said: "We are very disappointed by the results of this ballot and continue to speak to our people to avert an unnecessary strike.

"This vote arose from a consultation process and the final working arrangements for the electrical control room have yet to be agreed.

"There is no way that any unsafe working practices would ever be tolerated in any part of Network Rail.

"Anyone displaced by organisational change is dealt with entirely in accordance with the framework agreed with the unions."

The East Coast mainline runs from Edinburgh to London via Newcastle, York, Peterborough and Stevenage.