Merseyrail vows to run Grand National service despite RMT strike

Merseyrail insists trains will run between Liverpool city centre and Aintree on Grand National day despite a planned walkout by drivers and guards.

The RMT union announced a strike for Saturday week this month as part of an ongoing dispute over staffing and the role of conductors on trains.

While the union has written to Liverpool's mayor Joe Anderson in a bid to resolve the dispute, bosses at Merseytravel, Merseyrail and Aintree have sought to reassure racegoers planning to head to the track by train.

Frank Rogers, chief executive of Merseytravel, said: "We've been working closely with Merseyrail, Aintree racecourse and other transport operators to ensure that, despite the strike, we can get people to and from Aintree and help keep the city region moving.

"We're used to the transport challenges of big events with all partners coming together to go the extra mile. This is no different."

Aintree's managing director John Baker added: "We’ve been extremely encouraged that by working closely together with Merseyrail, Merseytravel and other transport providers we're doing everything possible to ensure racing fans will be transported effectively on Grand National day with as little disruption as possible."

Merseyrail plans to run trains between Aintree and the city centre every seven and a half minutes at key times before and after racing.

Those travelling on mainline rail services will be able to get into and out of the city via Liverpool Lime Street but, with Northern services also affected by the strike, racegoers are urged to check timetables before travelling.