Ahead of planned strike action next week, passengers on the London Northwestern railway line are being urged to travel only if “essential”.

The train operator has confirmed that a “very limited” number of services will be running, with trains starting later than usual and finishing earlier.

It is because members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) at Network Rail and 13 train operators are striking for three days next week in disputes over pay, jobs and pensions.

The planned strike days are Tuesday June 21, 23, and 25 but disruption is expected between June 21 and 25.

On strike days, LNR says two services will be running per hour between London Euston and Northampton, which includes stops at Watford Junction, Bushey, Kings Langley, Apsley, and Hemel Hempstead stations.

Services will only run between the hours of 7.30am and 6.30pm.

Watford Observer: There will only be two trains running per hour on strike daysThere will only be two trains running per hour on strike days

On June 22 and 24, there will also be a “significantly reduced” LNR service with services not beginning until 7.30am and ending earlier than usual.

There will be no Abbey Line service between Watford and St Albans during the strike action period.

Jonny Wiseman, LNR customer experience director, said: “We will be operating a very limited service all through the week and we are asking customers to only travel with us if their journey is essential and no other transport option is available to them.

“Passengers holding tickets or season tickets will be entitled to refunds and should visit our website for information.”

Watford Observer: The message is to only travel if 'essential'. Credit: Watford Borough CouncilThe message is to only travel if 'essential'. Credit: Watford Borough Council

Govia Thameslink Railway says two trains will run per hour via Radlett and other Thameslink stations on strike days with late starts and early finishes, with a Sunday service on June 22 and 24.

Read more: Thameslink confirms impact of rail strike and warns 'only travel if necessary'

Southern and Chiltern services will also be disrupted and a Tube strike is expected on June 21.

Network Rail says it is working with RMT to find a solution to resolve the disputes linked to the strike action.

Train operators and National Rail will be releasing details of amended timetables in the coming days.

For more information visit https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/industrialaction.aspx