Disruption as train strike hits

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Rail passengers are being warned about severe disruption and advised to make alternative travel plans, as services are hit by industrial action.

Arriva Trains Wales services in west Wales are being replaced by bus services.

The operator says limited trains are running from Cardiff Central station, including Valley Lines services.

It follows a 24 hour strike by train managers, in a long running row over pay.

In a statement to passengers, the rail company states: "Customers are advised by Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) not to travel, or to make alternative arrangements due to members of train crew being unavailable.

"Only a very limited train service is able to operate on all routes to and from Cardiff Central, including Valley Lines services. Replacement bus services are not available where services have been cancelled."

Train services hit: Very limited services to and from Cardiff Central, including Valley lines All services between Swansea, Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock are cancelled; a replacement bus service is running Services between Milford Haven and Fishguard harbour are cancelled; bus service in operationCancellations possible on services between Swansea, Carmarthen and ShrewsburyServices between Cardiff Central, Manchester Piccadilly and Holyhead liable to distruptionFirst Great Western services from London Paddington may start and end at Newport or Bristol Temple MeadsFirst Great Western services from Cardiff to Portsmouth may start and end at Bristol Temple Meads <i>Source: Arriva Trains Wales</i>

The company has replaced all services between Swansea, Carmarthen, Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven and Fishguard harbour with bus services.

Arriva Trains Wales say First Great Western has agreed to honour some tickets.

A spokesman for ATW said: "First Great Western have agreed to honour Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) advance purchase tickets (subject to their capacity) on their trains following this morning's disruption.

"Arriva Trains Wales advance purchase tickets valid for travel today (Wednesday) will also be valid on Arriva Trains Wales services tomorrow."

Arriva also warns that services from London Paddington to south Wales may start or end at Newport or Bristol Temple Meads.

The industrial action by members of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) is expected to continue until 1200 BST on Wednesday.

Around 30 train driver managers are picketing three Arriva depots, at Cardiff, Chester and Warrington.

The managers are asking colleagues and train crews in the Aslef union not to cross their picket line.

The TSSA union has claimed that managers' pay has been eroded over the past few years.

"The managers will be running an official picket and their overall aim is to disrupt services," stated a spokesperson.

"If the drivers do decide to support them then the trains won't leave the depots and services will be disrupted."

The TSSA union introduced a work-to-rule policy on 4 September with the strike the latest move in their bid to increase members' pay.

The decision by some train crews to support the action has been criticised by the company.

"We are extremely surprised and disappointed," said Dennis Baker, the human resources director for Arriva Trains Wales.

"This unofficial action is in direct contravention of instructions from the drivers' own union, Aslef, to work normally.

"The company is continuing to engage in discussions with senior officials of TSSA to seek a resolution to the dispute."