COMMUTERS in the North-west faced a third day of misery and chaos today as train services were again cancelled as a result of strike action.

Passengers throughout the North West suffered severe disruption as 700 train drivers staged another 24-hour walkout in a dispute over disciplinary action.

Train operator First North Western cancelled all services in response to the strike by members of the train drivers' union Aslef. Bus services were introduced to cover some of the major routes.

The dispute follows the sacking of a driver who went through two consecutive red lights. Two strikes were also held last week.

Aslef General Secretary Mick Rix said: "First North Western is abusing disciplinary procedures to create a culture of blame and fault-finding and is failing to exercise any discretion in dealing with these cases.

"Many of the penalties are severe and inappropriate."

First North Western apologised for any delays to customers and advised passengers to seek alternative routes either by bus or contacting National Rail enquiries.

A spokesman for the train company said: "A total of 1,500 services are being disrupted. Buses will cover some of the major routes but they cannot possibly cover them all."

Transport minister John Spellar warned that the move was an "unsatisfactory" way of pursuing grievances.

He insisted the rail unions should be undertaking negotiation or arbitration with employers rather than resorting to industrial disputes.

"I am very concerned about the strikes," he said.

Angry commuters at Bolton's Trinity Street station were frustrated by the strike.

Phil Evans, aged 48, from Bradshaw, who is Finance Manager at Manchester Magistrates Court said: "It's been adding on two hours to my journey every day. I can't park in Manchester because it's too expensive so I am dependant on the trains."

Jenna Birmingham, aged 19, from Horwich, works at Kendals said: "I was late for work every day and I got home at 8pm. It's been a complete nightmare. I just hope it finishes soon."

Alkesh Patel, aged 25, from Deane, is a recruitment advisor and travels to work with his sister Pratixa Patel, 23. He said: "We've both been 45 minutes late for work every day. There aren't enough buses so every time one arrives you can't get on it."