A TRAIN operator is slashing the number of services between Chester and London Euston from next week.

Avanti West Coast normally runs five train services from Chester to London Euston and vice versa each weekday.

But, as from Monday, August 14, that will be reduced to just one each way, and will last "until further notice".

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The train operator says the reduced timetable is "due to the current industrial relations climate which has resulted in severe staff shortages in some grades through increased sickness levels, as well as unofficial strike action by ASLEF members."

The ASLEF union disputes the term "unofficial strike action", saying the company did not employ enough train drivers to deliver its services.

After Transport Secretary Grant Shapps also took the line of 'unofficial strikes', Aslef responded: "This is a lie. Our members are not taking any unofficial action, and we are not stopping anyone working. This rubbish puts our members at risk of abuse and assault.

"Sunday forming part of the working week has been ASLEF policy for decades. If you want a reliable seven day a week service: Employ. Enough. Train. Drivers."

In a statement published on Avanti's website on Monday, August 8, the firm said: "As a result, including the majority of drivers declaring themselves unavailable for overtime, our customers have faced multiple short-notice cancellations on our network which has had a severe impact on their plans.

"The reduced timetable is being introduced to ensure a reliable service is delivered so our customers can travel with greater certainty. This decision was not taken lightly, and we are sorry for the enormous frustration and inconvenience this will cause.

"We urge the rail unions to engage in meaningful industry reform talks around modernising working practices and developing a railway fit for the 21st century. We remain open for talks at any time.

"Whilst the new timetable is finalised, we’ve temporarily suspended ticket sales and closed reservations from August 14 to September 11 – this is to minimise the number of people disrupted.

"We expect the first week’s tickets to be back on sale towards the end of this week, then the following weeks on a rolling, weekly basis.

"We plan to run four trains an hour from London Euston, one to each of Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham. Every two hours, we will run through to Edinburgh, via the West Midlands. There will be a shuttle service between Crewe and Holyhead, plus a limited through service between Euston and Chester of one a day.

"This amended timetable will be in place until further notice, and we will continue to monitor and review the situation.

"If you’ve already booked to travel with us from August 14 onwards and your train is cancelled, your ticket will be accepted on the Avanti West Coast service before or after your original booked train.

"Alternatively, you can claim a full, fee-free refund from your point of purchase if you no longer wish to travel due to the amended timetable."

ASLEF members will be holding strike action on Saturday, August 13, with strikes affecting Avanti West Coast services and eight other rail operators.