SOUTH Western Railway workers are planning to hold two new strikes over the Christmas period in a long-running dispute over guards on trains.

The 24-hour walkouts are due to take place on December 27 and New Year’s Eve in addition to a previously announced strike on December 22.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "This latest phase of action in the long-running dispute on South Western Railway comes solely as a result of the company's intransigence when it comes to reaching a negotiated settlement that would underpin the guard guarantee on their trains.

"South Western Railway stubbornly refuse to make any progress at all in resolving this dispute, which is about safety, security and access.”

A South Western Railway spokesman said: "We had already offered to meet with the RMT again next week to try and resolve this dispute.

"By announcing further strike dates, the RMT has shown it has no intention of finding a solution and is only interested in inflicting more misery on passengers as they try to enjoy the festive season.

"This strike action is totally unnecessary. We have guaranteed to roster a guard on every train, and we need more, not fewer guards.

"Should this strike action go ahead, we will do everything we can to provide the best service possible for our customers."