MERSEYRAIL have confirmed that services over the festive period will be hit as strike action by Network Rail staff who are members of the RMT union continues.

The train operator has had to make changes to its timetables between Christmas Eve (December 24) and Tuesday, December 27.

A planned 30-minute service across the network on Boxing Day (December 26) is no longer possible.

The last trains on Christmas Eve will now end earlier than originally planned. Final services will run at approximately 4.30pm.

A Merseyrail statement read: "These changes to the planned service will remain in place even if the industrial action is called off, as railway rostering arrangements mean that it will be impossible to reinstate services at short notice.

"As is normally the case during industrial action, there will be no rail replacement buses in operation. Those needing to travel after 4.30pm on Christmas Eve (December 24) or at any point on 26 December are advised to make alternative travel arrangements.

"As previously announced, there will be no train services on Christmas Day.

"There will be a normal weekday service on Tuesday (December 27), with trains starting when the industrial action ends, at approximately 7:30am.

"A limited rail replacement bus service will be in operation from the busiest stations prior to 7.30am.

"As is usually the case on New Year’s Eve, services will finish at approximately 8pm and on New Year's Day a 30-minute Sunday service will run."

Passengers are advised to visit the Merseyrail website for full details or speak to a member of station staff.

Further industrial action is planned for January 3 and 4 January and 6 and 7. Details on what services Merseyrail will be providing on these dates will be published as soon as they are available.