Strikes hit sports fans and Xmas markets

VAST swathes of the country ground to a halt yesterday as drivers from 11 train companies went on strike again.

Rugby fans heading to Autumn International games and families going to Christmas markets had plans spoiled by militant union barons.

Most direct trains from London to Scotland and Wales were cancelled and no Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, Northern and Southeastern trains ran.

It follows months of disruption which will have blown an estimated £1 billion hole in the economy by the New Year.

Almost 3,000 London bus drivers will strike next month, while yesterday the Rail, Maritime and Transport union announced more than 1,000 train cleaners have voted to strike over pay.

General secretary Mick Lynch said: ‘RMT will fight every step of the way to end the superexploitation of contracted-out cleaners.’

The Department for Transport said: ‘We urge union leaders to reconsider this action.’