Strike action by First Great Western could cause travel chaos this bank holiday weekend.

A strike by the RMT union from today (Saturday, August 29) to Monday (August 31) means there will be no FGW trains between Greenford and Paddington.

There will also be a reduced service on many other lines, including those to popular holiday destinations like Devon and Cornwall, after talks between FGW bosses and union chiefs broke down.

The walkout follows a dispute over the introduction of new high-speed trains.

FGW says the new vehicles will mean more seats, faster journey times and more frequent journeys for passengers.

But the RMT says it is worried about potential job losses and safety risks at stations due to changes in how the trains are operated.

FGW said in a statement: "Trains may be very busy and there will be limited food and drink services on-board. Last trains of the day are likely to leave significantly earlier than usual

"We've put in place a few changes to ticket restrictions, to help you make your journey. But if you decide you don’t want to travel, you can change your booking or claim a full refund."

In the London Thames Valley area, FGW says services will operate normally with the following alterations:

  • Reading - Gatwick will operate hourly and terminate at Redhill; customers can complete their journey by using Southern Trains between Redhill and Gatwick
  • Reading - Basingstoke will run hourly in each direction
  • Maidenhead - Marlow will terminate at Bourne End; customers for Marlow will need to make alternative arrangements between Bourne End and Marlow
  • Oxford and Reading - London fast services will be operated by different trains to usual (turbo trains instead of high speed trains

Cross Country Trains will accept FGW tickets on Sunday 23 August and between Saturday 29 August and Monday 31 August on the following routes:

  • Reading - Wokingham (only on Saturday 29 August)
  • Between Oxford, Reading and Basingstoke

No FGW services will run between Greenford and Paddington during the strike.

Customers can take Transport for London (TFL) services. TfL will accept FGW tickets on this route.