FIRST Great Western has said it was hopeful discussions with the RMT union will result in an agreement and avert a 72-hour walkout from staff over the bank holiday weekend.

But it has warned that services will be very busy if the strike does go ahead, with limited on-board food and drink services and significantly earlier departure times for last trains.

The union is in dispute over the introduction of new Hitachi InterCity trains, saying the role of guards will be reduced and buffet cars’ facilities removed.

Members staged a 24-hour walk out on Sunday, which was condemned by Swindon South MP Robert Buckland who called on rail workers to put passengers’ needs first.

Talks between the train operator and the union resumed on Monday after the day of action.

A spokesman for FGW said: “Thank you for your patience during the strike on Sunday, August 23.

“We are continuing to meet with the RMT and remain hopeful that we can come to an agreement that will avoid the bank holiday strike going ahead.

“If the strike goes ahead, trains may be very busy and there will be limited food and drink services on-board. Last trains of the day are likely to leave significantly earlier than usual.

“We’ve put in place a few changes to ticket restrictions, to help you make your journey. But if you decide you don’t want to travel, you can change your booking or claim a full refund.”

Managing director of First Great Western Mark Hopwood has assured passengers the train operator would do all it could to keep passengers moving.

He said: “These trains are at the centre of our plans to deliver our network’s biggest fleet upgrade in a generation, helping create three million more seats a year and allowing us to bring you faster, more frequent journeys.

"We are very keen to come to an agreement with the RMT that makes sure we can operate these trains in the best possible way for customers, while giving colleagues clear assurances about their futures.”

For more details visit www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/strike