Rail travellers will face more disruption in the coming weeks with strike action taking place from Monday 29 January to Tuesday 6 February.

There is an overtime ban on Monday 29 January and from Wednesday 31 January to Tuesday 6 February with short-notice cancellations and alterations likely.

In addition, strike action takes place on Tuesday 30 January and customers should only travel if absolutely necessary, avoiding the first and last trains of the day if possible.

Stuart Meek, South Western Railway’s chief operating officer, said: “We’re very sorry to announce that industrial action, including full strike action, will affect our network at the end of January and into early February.

“It has been a tough start to the year due to adverse weather conditions and these damaging strikes will cause yet more disruption for our customers.

“Our advice is to only travel if absolutely necessary on Tuesday 30 January and to check before travelling on all other affected dates. It is also vital that customers check their entire journey on all the affected dates, as other operators will be affected.

“Once again we’re very sorry for the disruption this will cause and we thank our customers for their continued patience.”