The RMT Union strike which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 21, Thursday 23 and Saturday 25 June is going to have a huge impact locally.

South Western Railway (SWR) says its services will be significantly affected and that it is working closely with Network Rail and other train operators to finalise a significantly reduced timetable for those dates. Customers should expect severe disruption on days impacted by industrial action.

With Network Rail signallers and more than 2,100 SWR RMT members taking industrial action, it is likely that significant parts of the South Western Railway network will be unavailable for travel on those dates. Where routes are open, it is likely that far fewer trains will run than normal.

As a result, customers are urged to change their travel dates if they can and, for those who have to travel on those dates, to begin looking for alternative methods of transport.

Teams are also working to update hospitals, schools, airports and businesses across the network on what this will mean for them.

Claire Mann, managing director of South Western Railway, said: “I understand that the announcement of upcoming industrial action will worry many of our customers, particularly against the backdrop of significant cost of living pressures.

“We are carefully finalising contingency plans, but I’m afraid this action will mean that many customers will be unable to travel by rail.

“If customers can change their date of travel, or make alternative arrangements, I urge them to begin making those arrangements as soon as possible.

“I appreciate how challenging this may be and would like to thank customers for their patience as the rail industry responds to this unprecedented industrial action.”

SWR will publish details of its reduced timetable when finalised and customers should check the website for latest updates: https://www.southwesternrailway.com/industrial-action.