STRIKE action is taking place today (Thursday) and tomorrow causing travel misery for rail passengers in the region. Most National Express East Anglia services will not be running during the 48-hour period because of industrial action by employees. Nation

STRIKE action is taking place today (Thursday) and tomorrow causing travel misery for rail passengers in the region.

Most National Express East Anglia services will not be running during the 48-hour period because of industrial action by employees.

National Express has criticised unions for being unrealistic in their demands for a substantial pay increase.

The train drivers' union want a minimum pay increase of �1000, taking the average driver's earnings to over �42,000 in the next 12 months, the rail company said.

Managing Director for National Express East Anglia, Andrew Chivers, said: "We have asked the unions to suspend the action whilst discussions continue - but this request has been refused.

"We have also asked the unions to put our revised offer to their members - but this request has also been refused. We believe the pay claims continue to be wholly unrealistic and that continuing strike action is inappropriate and unnecessary.

"We are extremely sorry that our customers will be inconvenienced as a result of this unnecessary industrial action by the unions. For the sake of our customers we remain available at any time for discussions and will continue to strive for a sensible outcome."

Train service plan for Thursday August 6 and Friday August 7

A limited train service will run on the following routes:

An hourly service between Stansted Airport and London Liverpool Street

An hourly service between Southend Victoria and London Liverpool Street

An hourly service between Colchester and London Liverpool Street

A peak time service between Norwich and London Liverpool Street

In addition to services operated last week, we also plan to run:

A limited service between Norwich and Colchester

A limited service between Broxbourne and London Liverpool Street

A limited bus service will operate between Colchester and Clacton.

Full details of the alternative timetable are provided on the National Express East Anglia website. These services will operate to the maximum number of carriages.

However, it is likely they will be extremely busy and people are strongly recommended to spread their journey times wherever possible.

More details of alternative journey options will be available on the National Rail Enquiries website at www.nationalrail.co.uk. Further updates can be found at www.nationalexpresseastanglia.com

NXEA customers will be entitled to a refund for the effected day's travel.