A COACH firm says it will come to the rescue of Taunton commuters as rail workers prepare to go on strike from Wednesday evening, July 8.

Members of the Rail and Maritime Transport union are walking out until the start of services on Saturday after what they call “a comprehensive breakdown” in industrial relations.

The dispute revolves around First Great Western’s plans to introduce new Hitachi Inter City trains from 2017, a move RMT members fear will cost jobs.

A FGW spokesman said: “All we want is to make sure our services give the best possible deal for our passengers.

“These brand new trains have been designed to deliver more seats, and faster, more frequent journeys - but we can't deliver those if they are operated in the same way as the 40 year-old trains that run today.

"We have already made assurances about job security and commitments to increase the number of staff on board Super Express Trains.”

Talks between the two sides broke up this week and FGW bosses say they are “keen to continue discussions as soon as possible”.

They are warning passengers that services will be “significantly affected” during the strike, with limited capacity and busy trains.

There could also be some late notice changes or possible cancellations during an overtime ban on Saturday.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash accused FGW of showing “no intention of addressing” the union’s concerns over the new trains.

He added: “RMT is angry and disappointed that the company have ignored the massive vote for action by their staff and have instead opted to plough ahead with a series of actions that will decimate jobs, services and safety.

“As a result of FGW collapsing the talks in this cavalier fashion, the action goes ahead as planned.”

National Express says it is adding thousands of seats to its network during the strike, including in Somerset.

A spokesman said: “National Express will add extra seats specifically to cater to demand and targeted accordingly so people can still get to where they need to be.

“The coach seats will provide a lifeline to people travelling to London’s major airports with National Express offering frequent services direct to Heathrow from Taunton and Bath and the option to get catch connecting services to Gatwick, Stansted and Luton.”