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Saturday, 12 October, 2002, 08:28 GMT 09:28 UK
Third weekend rail strike
Wrexham train station
Some services have been cancelled from Wrexham
A further weekend rail strike has caused increased havoc for commuters in north east Wales.

First North Western train drivers have stepped up their industrial action in a row over pay and conditions.

Rail passenger Sian Peter
Some commuters have been understanding

The company said it had increased its pay offer to Aslef members to 19% over three years.

However, Aslef has maintained there were "unacceptable strings" attached to the offer, one of which involved drivers picking up litter at stations.

A number of services between north Wales and the north west of England have been cancelled.

Wales and Border train services have also been effected because many First North Western drivers work for them.

Stranded

A fleet of buses have again be provided to ferry commuters for the third successive weekend walkout.

The majority of rail users in north Wales will be picked up by coaches to get to the coast from Chester.

However, passengers hoping to travel between Wrexham and Bidston, Merseyside could be left stranded.

Mark Youngman from the Rail Passengers Committee said the town has been hit hard.

"Our main concern is that buses have not been provided on the Wrexham to Bidston route which means that people can't get over to Merseyside."

First North Western train
The strikes are set to continue

He said many people are annoyed by the industrial action.

"We've had general complaints about the extra amount of time that people have to travel."

The drivers have also voted against rest-day working, which could mean 160 trains on weekdays will have to be cancelled.

Not all commuters have reacted angrily to the strike.

Wrexham student Sian Peter, regularly uses public transport.

However, she said she has mixed feelings about the industrial action.

"I think they should be allowed to protest about their wages but they shouldn't do it so it effects everybody else.

"I've heard people moaning about how they are late for work because of the strikes and how they have to re-arrange their daily plan."

The weekend strikes will continue until 24 November.


More from north east Wales
See also:

30 Sep 02 | England
27 Sep 02 | England
26 Sep 02 | England
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