THE 21st day of strike action against the removal of guards from trains was well supported in Skipton today.

The industrial action being taken by the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union in the long-running dispute over driver-only trains caused fresh disruption to services.

RMT members on Arriva Rail North (Northern) walked out for 24 hours, with more stoppages due on Thursday and Saturday resulting in fewer trains on those days.

The dispute has been going on for more than 12 months with RMT regional organiser Daren Ireland admitting the talks between the union, the Department for Transport and Arriva Rail North were at a stalemate.

“This is the 21st day of strike action since the decision for industrial action was taken and we are no nearer reaching a decision.

“This action is about passenger safety and we need to retain the second safety critical conductor on the services.

“For the past six months we have made repeated requests to get into talks with Arriva and the DfT but nothing has been organised. We are willing to sit around the table,” said Mr Ireland.

“Again we have seen a solid response from union representatives in Skipton. They have been solidly behind us, manning the picket line on each occasion from 5am.

“We are also happy that members of the public remain behind us too. This strike is to ensure their safety and they have been very supportive,” he added.

Dennis Bentley who used to work as a fireman on steam engines until they were taken out of service in 1968 said he was behind the guards all the way despite having a wasted journey from his home in Burnley.

Mr Bentley had travelled to Skipton by bus to catch the train to Settle to see the Dalesman steam train arrive.

“There were only buses on going north today so I would have missed it arriving at the Settle. I decided to stay in Skipton and have a walk around instead,” he said.

“I do support the guards and am behind then, absolutely definitely,” he said.

“There are not enough staff around at the stations these days as it is. You struggle to find them.”

Another passenger who arrived at the station said she too supported the strike action. She was in no rush and didn’t mind if the service was delayed.

A spokesman for Northern said: "As the overall number of trains running will be reduced across the three days, we expect trains and any replacement buses we operate to be extremely busy. Please allow extra time for journeys, plan carefully and consider whether travel is necessary."

Commuters wishing to know the timetables during the strikes should go to: https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/strike