COMMUTERS are being told to prepare for disruption after First Manchester staff announced they are to strike on Mondays in October.

Most bus services operating from the Bolton depot in Great Lever are not expected to run on the strike days, affecting several routes to and from Bury.

Services affected include 510, 511 and 524 on Bolton to Bury routes as well as the 472 and 474 routes from Bury to Ramsbottom. Commuters are being urged to make alternative plans. Key commuter routes are predicted to face the most pressure as people find alternative ways to travel to work.

The dispute follows the rejection of a recent pay offer by First Manchester workers in Bolton and Rusholme despite an equivalent offer being accepted by First Manchester staff at other depots.

Phil Medlicott, Managing Director at First Manchester, said: “We’re extremely disappointed that staff from two of our depots have decided to take strike action despite a very reasonable pay offer.

“It’s clear that the union is intent on causing the maximum amount of disruption and inconvenience. I am truly sorry that our customers will be affected if the industrial action does go ahead.

“We will be working very hard over the next few days to finalise our contingency plans and establish what level of service we will be able to provide.”

The strike comes after the x35 service from north Bury into Manchester city centre was cancelled following the closure of the Bury depot.

Some services have also been cancelled due to First bus staff shortages.