STRIKE action will again hit Northern rail services on Saturday for 24 hours and for the next four Saturdays.

The RMT rail union, which is engaged in the dispute, said rail company bosses had strung its negotiators along.

It has been attempting to protect the role of the ‘safety critical’ guard on services and is against the extension of so-called driver only trains.

The RMT’s Mick Cash said: “We thank the public for their support and understanding throughout this dispute over rail safety and access and the union remains ready for genuine and serious talks.”

Northern, which has applied to the Government for compensation to cover the cost of lost revenues as a result of the continued industrial action, said it expected to run about 30 per cent of services.

The firm’s regional director Liam Sumpter said: “Customers should, however, be aware that there will be very few services running before 9am or after 6pm.

“We ask everyone to take time to plan their journeys carefully, allow extra time for travel and regularly check for service updates on our website.”