Commuters in north-east England face further disruption to public transport with a strike which will close the Tyne and Wear Metro system.

Control room staff who work for the light railway's operator Nexus have voted for a series of one-day stoppages over pay.

Public transport users in the area have already suffered several bus and rail strikes in recent months - including stoppages by Metro drivers.

Now control room staff - members of the public services union Unison - have announced strikes will start on 25 July.

We are astonished that Unison is effectively prepared to hold the people of Tyne and Wear to ransom

Nexus spokesman

Unison says Nexus has failed to address staff concerns over increased duties and responsibilities.

Charlie Syme, senior regional officer with the union, said: "It is unfortunate that this group of dedicated staff have been driven to these lengths.

"We hope that Nexus will now appreciate the depth of feeling our members have on this subject, and return to the negotiating table".

Control Room Staff are responsible for the power lines and controlling the movement of trains across the entire system, as well as deal with the information and inquiry service.

A spokesman for Nexus said the walkouts will inconvenience thousands of commuters.

He said: "We will effectively be brought to a standstill.

"We are astonished that Unison is effectively prepared to hold the people of Tyne and Wear to ransom.

Unacceptable demands

"These members can earn, with overtime, in excess of �30,000 per annum.

"They are demanding up to �4,500 per year in increases, which is more than a 16% rise on their basic pay.

"This is unacceptable given the current financial climate and low levels of inflation."

Further days of action are planned for the 1 and 2 August; 5, 6 and 7 August; 14, 15 and 16 August and 22 to 27 August.

In May Metro drivers were accused of "snubbing" the Queen after voting to strike on the day she officially opened a multi-million pound extension from Newcastle to Sunderland.