EAST Lancashire rail passengers could face disruption if union members decide to take industrial action over pay conditions.

The result of a ballot by members of the Rail Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) on Arriva Trains Northern was expected to be announced later today or early tomorrow.

The union members have been voting on whether to walk out in a bid to achieve parity between the pay of guards and drivers.

Trains in East Lancashire and across the North West will be disrupted if strikes are called.

A spokesman for Arriva today confirmed the ballot had closed, although declined to comment until results had been announced.

David Butterworth, of Clitheroe, who is chairman of the First North Western Sub Committee branch of the Rail Passengers, said any industrial action would be a nightmare for passengers.

He said: "Arriva has already demonstrated to passengers that it has serious problems and I am sure passengers would not wish to experience any more problems as a result of industrial action.

"But it goes without saying that any action will of course affect passengers and we would not like to see it go ahead."

The RMT was unavailable for comment.