Rail passengers could face train delays in Marlow over the bank holiday weekend as First Great Western staff prepare to stage a strike.

The First Great Western (FGW) strikes will affect the Maidenhead to Paddington service which runs through Marlow and Bourne End.

FGW said London and Thames Valley trains will only have minor delays, with 90 per cent of the trains still running, but they are unable to provide a full timetable as of yet.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) said the strike was being held over the threat to jobs, services and safety posed by the introduction of the new Hitachi Intercity trains.

Union members, including guards and attendants, will walk out for 24 hours on August 23 and for 72 hours from August 29, while members who work on maintenance will strike on August 29 and August 31.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “Despite strenuous efforts by our negotiators, we have not been able to secure the kind of progress required in the key areas of jobs, services and safety for us to reach an agreement.

“As a result we have no option but to put further action on.”