Bus services in Preston are to be disrupted this month as drivers strike over low pay.

The drivers are employed by the Ribble Motor Services LTD, part of the Stagecoach Group.

Strike action is set to take place for the 250 bus drivers at the Preston and Chorley depots for three days starting on Thursday 14 October until Saturday 16 October.

After that there is a further 48-hour strike starting on Friday 22 October.

The strikes have been called after Unite the Union management rejected the latest pay offer after extensive negotiations.

Unite Regional officer Alison Spencer-Scragg said: “Our members have made it clear that they will no longer accept low pay.

“The planned strike action will undoubtedly cause widespread disruption to passengers across south Lancashire but the drivers believe they have no option but to take strike action to secure a decent wage.”

Read more: Moment Preston man brings Stagecoach bus to a halt in support of striking bus drivers

The strikes will disrupt bus services in the Preston area and services to Blackpool, Blackburn, Skipton, Southport and Bolton.

Services 1, 1a, 2, 2a, 3, 8a, 9, 59, 61, 68, 109, 111, 125, 280, 315, X2, X8 and all school/college services will be affected.

Stagecoach services 40, 41 and 42 into Preston and Blackpool from Lancaster depot will operate as normal.

A spokesperson for Stagecoach said: “Strike action is being taken by Unite the union over pay. 

“We have offered our drivers a pay rise which meets inflation and will increase pay by 6.2 per cent over a two year period.”

Customers who wish to contact Stagecoach regarding the disruption should email enquiries.preston@stagecoachbus.com.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

Will your journey be disrupted by the strikes? Let us know in the comments.