Rail workers vote on 24-hour strikes

VOTING over train strikes begins today in a move that threatens to shut London's busiest commuter lines.

Ballots for rail staff are being held at South West Trains, First Capital Connect and National Express East Anglia.

First stoppages, likely to be a series of 24-hour walkouts, could take place early next month.
Leaders of the RMT, largest of the rail unions, ordered the ballots in protest over extensive job cuts.

Results will be declared within three weeks.