Services across the region have been disrupted

Strike action - called over the suspension of a driver - has been halted ahead of the union's meeting next month to discuss the proposals and the results of the independent inquiry.

The union staged three 24-hour walkouts at the beginning of the month and had threaten further action for Monday 22 April, 29 April and 6 May.

Aslef have said the two sides have agreed that the inquiry will look into disciplinary procedures involving four different drivers.

Following talks to end the dispute last Thursday Colin Smith, Aslef regional officer for north Wales, said: "There are proposals we seem to agree with, but we need to put some definition to them.

"I am very pleased about this. It has been a difficult and bitter dispute."

Further disruption

The strikes have blighted the journey of thousands of passengers and has cost First North Western many thousands of pounds in lost revenue.

The company wants to avoid further disruption to the May Bank Holiday, which would mean further chaos.

The dispute focuses a row over disciplinary procedures and the suspension of a driver for alleged safety breaches.

The company claims the driver had passed two red lights and was caught exceeding the track speed limit by 10mph.

But the rail unions had stressed the dismissal issue needed to be fully addressed before an end to industrial action could be reached.

Agreement hopes

The rail operator said it was hopeful that an "amicable agreement" could be reached to end the dispute.

The train operator carries 8,000 passengers on the north Wales coastal routes every day and operates the biggest train service in north Wales and the north west of England.

First North Western has been providing a limited replacement bus service on some routes on strike days.

Virgin Trains services between Holyhead and London Euston have also been hit, because the company employs First North Western drivers.

For information about services passengers can call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950