Another rail strike lasting for five days will affect Weymouth-Waterloo services during this half-term week.

The RMT is planning to strike from tomorrow until the end of Saturday as part of a long-running dispute about the role of guards on trains.

South Western Railway (SWR) has urged the RMT to call off the strikes.

It has published contingency service plans in the meantime in case the action does go ahead.

This will mean a reduced service from Weymouth and Dorchester towards Poole, Bournemouth Southampton and London.

Passengers planning to travel should check train times at www.southwesternrailway.com

A South Western Railway spokesman said: “The RMT is cynically targeting hard-working commuters, families trying to enjoy the half-term holidays and sports fans with its latest strike dates.

“We have guaranteed a guard to be rostered on every single service, and our growth plans mean more guards, not fewer. It is time for the union to stop spreading myths and causing misery to our customers and colleagues, and commit to resolving this dispute.

“If the union decides to continue with its unnecessary action, we will do everything we can to keep our customers moving and reduce disruption.”

The RMT says SWR has 'refuse to engage in a serious talks process' that could reach an agreement in the long running guards' dispute.

RMT General Secretary, Mick Cash said: “South Western Railway has stalled the talks process and has failed to provide any sort of offer that comes close to resolving this dispute which matches the widespread best practice in the industry, underpinned by the guard guarantee."