Train strikes set to continue

Industrial action which yesterday caused the cancellation of a fifth of trains on one of the busiest rail networks in Britain is expected to lead to worse disruption today and to continue into next week.

Talks aimed at settling the dispute at Connex South Central, which operates trains into London Bridge and Victoria from Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire, broke up last night and are not due to resume until Monday. Connex said that around three out of 10 trains would be cancelled today, but the company hoped to run a full service on Sunday except for special trains laid on for the London to Brighton bicycle race. Aslef members at Connex South Central have thrown out company proposals on working practices and union representatives are seeking to renegotiate.