Train strike runs into second day

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A walkout by conductors on Central Trains has continued into New Year's Day disrupting travel for thousands of railway passengers for a second day.

The 48-hour strike follows another which took place on Christmas Eve in a row over bonus pay and rotas.

The worst affected routes are in the West and East Midlands, but lines to Norwich, Cardiff, Cleethorpes and Manchester are also affected.

But there is a reduced service running in some areas.

STRIKE DAY SERVICES Lichfield-RedditchStourbridge - Birmingham Snow Hill - ShirleyDerby-NottinghamDerby-CreweNottingham - LincolnNottingham - SheffieldCambridge to Stansted AirportStourbridge Town - Stourbridge JunctionWolverhampton - BirminghamNottingham - Worksop

Speaking prior to the start of the strike action, Andy Thomas, Central Trains' operations director, said they would be operating services on popular routes where there were limited alternatives.

Tickets bought for travel on Central Trains can be used on Virgin Trains, One Railway, Midland Metro and local bus services during the strike period.

They are also valid on Tuesday when full services are expected to resume.

Cross country services from the east of England have been hit the hardest and there are no plans to run any trains in Leicestershire, Shropshire and Warwickshire, with many other local routes closed.

Passengers are being urged to contact national rail inquiries on 08457 484950 or check the Central Trains website before travelling.

NATIONAL RAIL ENQUIRIES 08457 484950

Central Trains' bosses have accused the Rail Maritime and Transport union (RMT) of rejecting a plan that would have allowed services to run as normal.

It said senior conductors would have earned about £600 each if they had worked the three strike days.

RMT general secretary, Bob Crow, said the rail firm had "turned down the opportunity to put in place a plan that would have allowed services to run".