South Western Railway has responded to the new National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers strike date on Wednesday, July 27.

Customers have been warned to expect severe disruption on both days and change plans if possible.

The rail company has warned that there will be a knock-on effect of the strike, meaning that a late starting reduced service is likely to run on the following day (28/07).

Service levels are expected to be similar to those during the last strike period in June, when a severely reduced number of trains ran on a limited number of key routes.

Rail customers are being urged by SWR to consider alternatives to travelling by rail on the given days.

The company's managing Director Claire Mann said: “It is bitterly disappointing that the RMT has announced this latest strike date.

“We know how damaging and disruptive industrial action can be, and I’m sorry to all those who’s plans will be disrupted by this damaging strike.

“We are working hard to finalise a contingency timetable, but we expect we’ll have no choice but to close significant parts of our network on Wednesday 27 July, with severe disruption expected on the following day."