‘ONLY travel by rail if absolutely necessary’.

That’s the message from South Western Railway ahead of four days of strike action this month.

Strikes are due to take place on December 13, 14, 16 and 17, with a “severely reduced” service between 7.15am and 6.30pm on a limited number of routes.

Just two fast trains will run per hour in each direction between London Waterloo and Southampton Central on these days with no direct service to Dorset.

The first train from Southampton leaves at 7.30am with the last train from Waterloo at 5pm.

The rail operator has warned Thursday, December 15 and Sunday, December 18, will also be “significantly impacted” by the strike.

South Western Railway’s performance and planning director, Steve Tyler, said: “We appreciate that customers will be eager to enjoy the festive season, so we’re really sorry that we must urge them to only travel by rail if absolutely necessary from Tuesday 13 December to Sunday 18 December.”

Rail passengers have also been warned they face further disruption during the RMT overtime ban from Sunday, December 18, until Monday, January 2.

Mr Tyler added: “After months of damaging strike action, we are grateful to our customers for their continued cooperation, patience, and understanding as the rail industry works to bring this dispute to an end.”