TWO days of strike action by rail staff has been condemned by Bolton’s Conservative MP.

Chris Green said that the strikes by RMT Union members on Northern Rail services will contribute more to the misery suffered by the town’s commuters over recent weeks.

The action, taking place today and on Monday, comes amid a bitter row over the future of guards on trains.

No trains are running on the Manchester to Preston line, via Bolton, today.

Mr Green, who represents Bolton West, said: “As if rail users haven’t had enough to put up with over the last few weeks, they will now have to contend with a further reduced service because of strike action.

“It is extremely disappointing that this trade union has decided to strike yet again — particularly as Northern are at such an early stage in a modernisation program which will improve services for passengers, including a £1 billion investment in trains. It’s almost as if they don’t want passengers to have modernised trains.”