THE tourist chief at Blackpool Borough Council has warned that this week's train strikes could hit the town's essential tourist trade.

Forty eight hours of strikes took place on Tuesday and Wednesday by train drivers' union ASLEF, which has around 17,000 members across the country.

The strike affected all First North Western trains. These include a number of services to Blackpool, which bring day-trippers into the town.

The strikes looked set to affect traders in Blackpool, a town reliant on summer season visitors for much of its income.

Jane Seddon, head of tourism at Blackpool Borough Council, warned: "It will affect the day trippers.

"Anything that prevents people from getting to their destination is bad news. We do hope they reach an agreement and they do run on time especially coming up to our illuminations period."

ASLEF is the principal trade union for train drivers, and strikes have also been planned for August 27 and 28, and September 10 and 11 of this year.

First North Western run services throughout the area to Blackpool including from Liverpool, Manchester airport and Preston.

But Mrs Seddon said that it was good news the strikers had not chosen a weekend for the latest series of disruptions.

She said: "At least they have chosen to go on strike mid-week, on a Tuesday and Wednesday.

"It would affect our trade much more if they were choosing Friday to Monday. The majority of people would actually travel here between Friday and Monday."

Geoffrey Thompson, managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, hit out at the strikers. He said: "Train strikes are very bad for the economy in general, and a major disaster for tourism.

"We have been encouraging more and more people to use the trains and then the unions spoil all the long-term marketing plans and force people back on to the busy roads yet again."

Derek Ellershaw of the Blackpool Hotel and Guest House Association said the train strikes would not affect hotel trade.

He said: "It won't affect us very much, it will affect the day trippers more. It may deter a few people."