ARRIVA services returned to normal today following the end of a two-day strike by conductors.

As trains moved off platforms this morning, some minor delays were expected as services were restored.

Talks to avoid further strikes, over pay and conditions will be held between Arriva and The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) next week.

An Arriva statement said: "Arriva Trains Northern (ATN) apologises for the inconvenience suffered by customers as a result of the industrial action taken by the RMT. ATN has been available for discussions at any time and is pleased that the RMT has agreed to further meetings next week."

The next round of strikes will be held on Monday and Tuesday, when RMT members on South West Trains will walk out in a long-running row over pay and disciplinary procedures.

Ballots for industrial action will be held at several other rail companies over the next few weeks in unrelated disputes over pay. Don Foster, Liberal Democrat transport spokesman, repeated his call for passengers to be able to sue unions over industrial action.

"I think it is time to consider whether or not we should allow third parties like businesses whose employees can't get to work, or groups of passengers, to the right to sue for damages trade unions, if they are not behaving reasonably," he said. "It is already the situation where, if a train company behaves unreasonably, and as a result of that there is strike action, then it is possible for people to sue the company."

Updated: 09:32 Saturday, January 26, 2002