WIRRAL commuters face more disruption after unions announced fresh strike action on Merseyrail in an ongoing dispute over driver-only trains.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) confirmed this afternoon that staff from Merseyrail will walk out for 24 hours on Saturday, March 3.

The row between RMT and Merseyrail relates to a new fleet of driver-only trains that will replace the current 40-year-old rolling stock in 2020 which the RMT say will threaten the security of guards jobs on trains.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: "No one should be in any doubt, these disputes are about putting the safety of the travelling public before the profits of the private train companies.

"It is frankly ludicrous that we have been able to negotiate long-term arrangements in Scotland and Wales that protect the guards and passenger safety but we are being denied the same opportunities with rail companies in England.

"Theresa May and Chris Grayling are happy to stand aside and cheer on overseas rail companies that rip-off the British passenger with eye-watering far increases to subsidise their domestic transport operations while throwing the guards off our trains.

"If it’s good enough for Wales and Scotland to put safety first then it’s good enough for the rest of the UK."

Andy Heath, Merseyrail's managing director said: “yet again the RMT have announced a further strike, remaining entrenched in a position which is to oppose any form of change with no desire to meet with us and reach an agreement.

"We have continually sought to reach a compromised solution, however, the RMT remain intent on causing disruption to our customers.

"We will endeavour to provide the best possible rail service that we can to our customers, with the resources we have available, as we have been providing on previous strike days.”

“I would again urge our guards to reconsider their strike action at a time when we should really be in talks about how we can work together to give you clarity and security about your future, building on our commitment to guarantee you a job within our business.

"Talking is the only way that can be achieved.”