PASSENGERS are being warned by Avanti West Coast not to travel this Friday due to industrial action.

Strikes are taking place that will cripple Avanti's services this weekend, with the operator issuing a blanket warning for its west coast timetables on Friday.

Some stations in the region - including Runcorn - are set to close for a portion of the weekend, too.

No Avanti West Coast services will be running on Friday, September 1, which operates one of Warrington's largest stations, Warrington Bank Quay.

Warrington Guardian: No Avanti services will run on Friday, September 1No Avanti services will run on Friday, September 1 (Image: Newsquest)

With no trains running to and from all destinations across the network during the ASLEF industrial action, customers are advised to claim a refund, seek alternative transport, or rearrange journeys for another date.

Many destinations on the West Coast Main Line will have no rail connectivity on September 1 and rail replacement services will not be in place either.

Passengers are advised to check their route before travelling on Saturday, September 2, too - the company will operate one train per hour from London Euston to Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, and Preston, with a limited service to Carlisle.

Andy Mellors, managing director at Avanti, said: “We’re sorry our customers will face disruption to their journeys when ASLEF and RMT members go on strike later this week.

"For many, this is the last weekend of their summer holidays and with no services on September 1 and a significantly reduced timetable on September 2 it will severely impact their plans.  

“The advice to all our customers making journeys on September 2 is to plan ahead, check before you travel and be aware of your last train home.

"We’d like to thank our customers for their continued patience and understanding.

“Any customers with tickets for September 1 or 2 can make their journey on alternative days or claim a full refund.”