BUS drivers have called off strike action that was planned for this Thursday.

The walkout on Arriva services across the North West was one of nine scheduled for December, but has been called off amid new talks over a pay dispute.

Phil Stone, Managing Director for Arriva North West, said: “We are pleased to see the trade unions have announced they have called off Thursday’s proposed industrial action. It is now the responsibility of us all to ensure we approach new negotiations in an open manner to get this dispute resolved. We do not want to see further disruption to Arriva passengers,staff and local businesses in the run up to Christmas.”