MORE rail strikes are planned this weekend, affecting services to sporting events and Reading Festival.

South Western Railway (SWR) has advised that RMT strike action on Saturday, August 26, which will “significantly reduce” services as a “large” number of networks are affected.

Trains will run from 7am to 7pm and short notice cancellations are possible. There will be no trains to Windsor & Eton Riverside due to engineering work and rail replacement bus services will not run, affecting travel to horse racing in Windsor.

Sports events in the South West London area will be particularly affected, including the rugby match between England and Fiji at Twickenham.

Chief operating officer at South Western Railway, Stuart Meek, said: “We’re sorry that customers will once again face disruption due to strike action by the RMT union.  

“Once again, I must ask our customers to only travel if absolutely necessary on Saturday 26 August. If you do have to travel, please check your entire journey as these strikes also affect other train operators.”

The ASLEF union has announced further strike action on Friday, September 1 and a ban on overtime working on top of the RMT union’s strike action on Saturday, September 2.

Mr Meek added: “We’re thankful for our customers’ patience during these latest RMT strikes.”