RAIL users' misery is to continue after drivers and conductors at East Lancashire's two train operators promised more strikes.

MPs, local business representatives and rail user groups have called for the action to be called off in the past few weeks, claiming the strikes are damaging customer confidence and the local economy.

But 672 conductors of Arriva Trains Northern (ATN) and about 600 drivers of First North Western (FNW) have said they will walk out again because they are still no nearer a resolution in their separate disputes.

The conductors have already announced they will strike on May 3 and 4, while the drivers are meeting to discuss when to walk out again.

And last Friday's scenario where every train in the area was cancelled because of industrial action could happen again.

Mike Damms, chairman of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: "The North West economy is in a slump, manufacturing is struggling and this is not the time to stage industrial action. It should be possible to get this sorted before customers are damaged further."

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans called for Transport Secretary Stephen Byers to intervene and end the 'epidemic' of strikes, claiming businesses and tourism were being hit.

And John Moorhouse, secretary of statutory watchdog the Rail Passengers' Committee North West, said: "The railways cannot afford to stop services or people will find other means of travelling."

ATN and the RMT are in dispute over a pay rise offer of three per cent. Conductors feel they deserve more because drivers received 18 per cent on April 1.

An RMT spokesman said: "We would be delighted to sort this out around the table, but when you're dealing with a company that's unwilling to make an improved offer it's difficult. All our strikes have been solid so far and will continue to be so."

Management of ATN said the conductors' demands were unreasonable and that they had made a fair offer.

FNW and ASLEF are in dispute because a driver was sacked for going through two red lights and speeding.

Management say they had to dismiss the driver to maintain safety, but ASLEF representatives claim the company is abusing disciplinary procedures.

A spokesman for ASLEF said: "There will be more strikes until there is a settlement with the employer. We are meeting to decide when to strike again."

ATN runs the TransPennine Express through Preston, Blackburn, Accrington and Burnley, while FNW operates the East Lancashire Line from Preston to Colne, and Clitheroe to Manchester.