WATCHDOG groups have predicted a transport meltdown in north Wiltshire when railway workers go on strike next week.

Passengers who use First Great Western Trains to commute from Chippenham and Swindon stations will face severe disruptions when the 24-hour strike starts at 6.30pm on Tuesday.

The Railway Passengers' Committee for Western England fears the strike will put unbearable pressure on the M4 motorway, sparking long delays and misery for thousands of commuters.

Thousands of rail maintenance staff and signalling workers at Network Rail voted to strike in a row about pay and pensions.

The bulk of the staff taking industrial action have specialist jobs and cannot be replaced during the strike action.

First Great Western said it would try to ensure some services operated. A spokesman said it is now working on a skeleton timetable it plans to operate during the strike, which should be available today.

Service alterations are likely to begin earlier on Tuesday afternoon and after 6.30pm on Wednesday to enable First Great Western to resume its full service on Thursday. Information on the temporary timetable can be found at stations and on the website www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk.