INDUSTRIAL action taking place this week will impact those travelling by train throughout the remainder of the week.

The strikes will have a direct impact on Thursday, August 18 and Saturday, August 20 but travel is expected to be affected on Friday, August 19 and Sunday, August 21 as well.

A spokesperson from Great Western Railway said: "Planned industrial action by the RMT and TSSA unions means we expect rail services to be severely affected on Thursday 18 and Saturday 20 August, and a significantly reduced temporary timetable will be in place.

"On strike days an extremely limited service will operate between 7am and 6.30pm, and the last trains will leave much earlier.

"Due to the timing of the strike action, services after strike days will also be affected.

"Where trains are able to operate, they will be extremely busy.

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"Passengers are advised to find alternative ways to travel on these days.

"Only travel if absolutely necessary. The majority of train services will not operate and there will be no services on many routes."

A spokesperson for West Midlands Railway said: "Due to industrial action by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), West Midlands Railway services will be running to a limited timetable on a limited number of routes (similar to the recent timetable on 27 July).

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"Other routes will not be served. As a very limited service will be in place during this time, you're advised to only travel by rail if absolutely necessary on these dates.