COMMUTERS in East Lancashire face misery after unions decided to strike over pay conditions.

The Rail Maritime and Transport Union last night decided to call two 48-hour strikes at Arriva Trains Northern. More than 650 members were balloted and returned an overwhelming 15-1 vote in favour of industrial action.

The company, which runs 1,600 services a day across northern England -- including the north trans-Pennine service -- will face walkouts on January 24/25 and February 5/6.

David Butterworth, chairman of the First North Western sub committee of the Rail Passengers Committee, said East Lancashire people would suffer.

David, of Clitheroe, said: "The trans-Pennine service, or the roses link as it is known locally, is an hourly service linking East Lancashire towns and is very well used.

"I would be seriously concerned if passengers are inconvenienced as a result of disagreements between the unions and the management."