CrossCountry warns train passengers not to travel on Christmas Eve due to strike action

Anyone planning to head home via train to see family this week has been urged to avoid travelling on Christmas Eve.

CrossCounty warned there would be a 'severely amended' timetable and likely several cancellations affecting Birmingham, the Black Country and Worcestershire on Friday, December 24, due to strike action by RMT union members.

The rail firm said people should travel earlier in the week instead and could use their original tickets to do so.

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A statement on Twitter read: "Due to planned strike action by members of the RMT union, we will only be able to run a very limited timetable on this Friday, with the cancellation of many of our services.

"Avoid travelling on this day."

CrossCountry went on to say: "If you decide to travel, please travel today or tomorrow instead.

"You may use your original tickets for CrossCountry services dated Friday, December 24 on these dates.

"You do not need to change or amend your ticket – simply use your original ticket on the new date.

"If you decide not to travel - you are entitled to a full refund for unused tickets dated December 24 due to the disruption. This can be claimed via your ticket retailer.

"We're extremely sorry for the disruption and the late notice of these alterations."