BUS services in Cheshire have been severely disrupted after some drivers announced they would strike for an 'undisclosed' period of time.

Arriva North West was informed its drivers would begin industrial action from 2am this morning, affecting the Cheshire and Merseyside network.

This means the bus company has been unable to operate services in Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester or Lancashire.

All buses running from the Winsford and Runcorn depots have been cancelled, however all local Macclesfield services remain in operation with the exception of service 38.

Arriva customers with pre-paid tickets travelling in Cheshire will be able to use them on buses operated by D&G Buses, for service details visit dgbus.co.uk/

The strike comes after a ballot took place earlier this month in a dispute over pay.

Robbie Marnell, regional organiser for trade union GMB, said: “No worker should be struggling to cover their bills. But in the face of a cost of living crisis, Arriva needs to get real on its pay offers.

“Members have had enough after going the extra mile during Covid - working through the dangers of the pandemic - and now getting scant reward.

“The overwhelming strike mandate shows workers' take on the miserly offer clearly. We have our deckchairs ready for the pickets.

“Hopefully the company will listen and get back around the table with a fair offer.”

Howard Farrall, North West & Wales area operating director for Arriva UK Bus said: "We are very disappointed we were unable to reach an agreement with Unite and GMB, who have confirmed they plan to hold a strike for an indefinite period across services in the North West from 2am on Wednesday, July 20.

"Our people play a hugely important role keeping communities moving and they fully deserve a fair pay rise – especially with the cost-of-living increasing so much.  

"It’s why despite the significant pressures on the bus sector with increasing costs and passenger numbers still at below pre-pandemic levels, we have offered our people a generous pay rise of 8.5 per cent - an increase far higher than most workers are receiving from their employers at a time of considerable economic pressure.

"Furthermore, we have tabled this offer during a time of significant focus on sustainability of our networks in partnership with our local public transport authorities, to ensure that Arriva continues to deliver and manage a viable bus network across the region reflecting post-pandemic passenger trends.

"It isn’t right that the Unions wouldn’t put this latest offer to their own members and allow them to exercise their democratic right to vote.

"The mandate for strikes arose from a ballot of Unite and GMB members on a previous pay offer, meaning strikes are continuing without the improved proposal being put to employees by the Unions

"Strike action is counter-productive, harms the communities and customers we serve, and damages bus travel at a time when we should all be focused on building recovery from the pandemic.

"We’re calling on Unite and GMB to abandon their plans for this damaging strike and to ballot their members on the new offer."