Cummuters across Dorset are set to face up to eight days of travel misery after rail bosses have confirmed fresh strikes will go ahead.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union on South Western Railway will walk out on eight dates from July 26 to the beginning of September as part a long-running dispute over the role of guards on trains.

The move follows a deal between the union and Greater Anglia to end a similar dispute, which the RMT said guarantees a guard on trains.

However disputes over the role of guards remain unresolved on Southern Railway, Merseyrail and Arriva Rail North.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “RMT is making a very simple request of South Western Railway - that they take note of what is going on elsewhere in the rail industry and come forward with serious proposals that give a cast-iron guarantee of guards on their services and a halt to the rolling out of driver-only operation.

“It is RMT’s firm belief that a deal can be done and an agreement reached like we have with other train operating companies.

“But that requires a responsible and serious attitude from SWR towards this dispute which is all about safe and accessible railways for all, underpinned by the guard guarantee we have successfully negotiated in Wales, Scotland and other parts of England.”

In response, an SWR spokesman said: “We have been engaged in ongoing talks with the RMT.

“We are surprised and disappointed that it has decided to call further strikes, especially at a time when families want to be out and about enjoying the summer holidays.

“We will continue to seek a resolution and work hard to minimise any disruption to our customers.”

The dispute comes after Members of the RMT working as guards in Bournemouth and Weymouth banned overtime and rest day working from July 17.

Guards will walk out on Thursday, July 26, Saturday, July 28, Tuesday, July 31, Saturday, August 4, Saturday, August 11, Saturday, August 18, Friday, August 31 and Saturday, September 1.