TRAVELLERS in Gwent whose plans face disruption due to the strike action planned next week by staff at train company First Great Western, could find a solution by taking a coach instead.

Members of the rail union RMT at First Great Western will strike for 48 hours from 6.30pm next Wednesday, July 8, in a dispute over jobs, services and safety.

An overtime ban will then come into effect from 6.30pm on Friday, July 10, until 11.59pm on Saturday, July 11.

The action could pose a potential problem for travellers from south Wales seeking to get to London, and make rail connections to airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick, and to other parts of England.

It is also likely to make travelling into Cardiff for the First Ashes Test between England and Australia difficult for cricket fans.

But coach operator National Express has revealed that it is preparing to add thousands of seats to its network ahead of the rail strike to accommodate those affected – and its bookings are already up to two thirds higher compared with the same time last year, from destinations across south Wales, including Newport.

The company is adding seats specifically to cater to demand and is targeted them accordingly, so people can still get to where they need to be.

First Great Western staff will strike over proposals to axe guards and buffet cars on new Inter City Express trains that are due to be introduced in 2017. The company insists these trains need to be operated differently to existing stock.