A TRAIN operator plans to cancel services if a rail strike goes ahead over the Bank Holiday.

A national rail strike has been called involving Network Rail staff on Monday and Tuesday.

South West Trains is advising that services will be “severely disrupted” and is advising passengers not to travel on the Monday unless absolutely necessary, warning that there will be a severely reduced service from early afternoon and all rains will be stopped by late afternoon.

It does not plan to run any service on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for the operator said that the situation could change and information would be published as soon as possible, with full details of revised train services available from Saturday.

The 24 hour walkout starts from 5pm Monday.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union and the TSSA have rejected a four-year pay deal of £500 followed by three years of rises in line with RPI inflation.

Talks to avoid the strike were adjourned last night and are due to resume at 9am today.

A legal challenge by NR against the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) ballot is listed this afternoon in the High Court.

The two sides were continuing to hold talks at the conciliation service Acas, and NR said its negotiators will be available into the weekend if necessary to try to head off a strike.

Chief executive Mark Carne said: ''We are continuing to talk with the unions and we believe there is a settlement to be had. I sincerely hope we can reach one and my team will be available all week, and into the weekend if necessary, to find a deal to prevent strike action.

''From the very start of negotiations we made clear that we want to reward our staff for the incredible job they do, but that any pay rise needs to be linked to smarter, more effective ways of working.

''We can't bank on the unions calling off the strike, so we are now concluding our contingency plans so passengers can make decisions about their journeys.

''If the strike goes ahead, it's important that people check before travelling and are aware of the special measures put in place by train operators for people who have already booked tickets.''

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: ''RMT is continuing to push for a negotiated settlement through the Acas talks and the union is available right the way through the weekend to keep that process going, if necessary.

''In the meantime, our picketing arrangements are in place and the response coming back from our members is one of rock-solid support.

''We would remind the public that we have been forced into this dispute through a wholly-unwarranted attack on safety-critical jobs, pay and working conditions that would seriously undermine the safety of passengers on our railways into the future.

''RMT members are standing up for the principle of a properly staffed and resourced railway where safety comes first and where corners aren't cut to hit budget targets.''