FRESH industrial action by Stagecoach Ribble bus drivers is on the cards in the next few days after the latest pay talks broke down.

Stagecoach bosses confirmed that drivers plan to strike this Saturday and Monday.

The latest walk-outs follow three one-day stoppages the company has seen in recent weeks, over a pay dispute which is proving difficult to resolve.

The Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) are fighting for drivers' pay to be brought in line with those in Manchester.

But Stagecoach Ribble managing director Michael Chambers said: "We simply do not have the quality of revenue as an urban area such as Manchester, therefore we cannot offer the same levels of pay to our drivers."

A final offer of a pay increase of nine per cent over the next 12 months has been refused by staff.

And Mr Chambers added that no further offer would be made.

But union negotiator Roy Husband said the increase is misleading, as it includes a four per cent pay rise due in January anyway.

Passengers who are worried about the lack of services can call a special hotline for more information on (01772) 886633.