TRAIN drivers in East Lancashire are to take strike action in a row over hours -- bringing major disruption to travellers and commuters in the region.

The drivers' union, Aslef, today announced a series of seven one-day strikes by its members employed by rail company First North-Western starting next Wednesday .

A ban on overtime and rest-day working will also be introduced from the same day.

The other walk-outs are scheduled for July 31, August 9, August 18, August 20, August 25 and August 27 -- Bank Holiday Monday.

First North-Western operates regular services travelling via Blackburn Station between Colne and Blackpool South and Clitheroe and Manchester Victoria, carrying hundreds of commuters.

The union claims that First North-Western management has torn up an agreement to introduce a 35-hour working week.

The Aslef drivers voted by 374 votes to 19 to hold the series of 24-hour stoppages. First North-Western employs about 600 drivers.

Aslef general-secretary Mick Rix said: "First North-Western are breaking a signed undertaking they gave to this union to introduce a 35-hour working week for their train drivers by May this year.

"It is not acceptable for any employer to go back on signed agreements in this fashion. First North-Western drivers have voted overwhelmingly to make management keep to its word and behave in an honourable way.

"There is still time for management to reverse its position and keep its promises before strike action starts.

"I hope they will follow this course," he added. "If not, then the responsibility for the regrettable inconvenience to the public rests squarely with them." First North-Western's managing director Dave Kaye said from the company's Manchester headquarters: "We have put a number of proposals to Aslef which would achieve the agreement made on 'nil cost'.

"However, they have now stated they expect the company to fully fund it.

"I am concerned at Aslef's reneging of the agreement when First North-Western has adhered to all the agreed payments in a three-year drivers' pay package."

Chief executive of Blackburn-with-Darwen Council Phil Watson said: "A number of our employees travel by train and are likely to be inconvenienced.

"However, as with other transport disruptions, such as heavy

snowfalls, we expect employees to make reasonable efforts to get to work, so long as their safety is not compromised as a result."