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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Ellen Kirwin

Train strike disruption live, M6 sign warning and Gemma Owen's future after Love Island

These are the latest ECHO headlines this morning.

Live updates as train strike causes major travel disruption

A train strike is taking place today, with more than 50,000 railway workers set to walk out.

Major travel disruption is expected as the RMT union members from Northern Rail, and 13 other train firms, take part in the industrial action. The whole country will be affected by the strike, including Merseyside, as Merseyrail suspends all services today on Tuesday, June 21, on Thursday and on Saturday.

While Merseyrail staff are not taking part in the industrial action, it will involve Network Rail staff who operate the signalling systems and provide crucial maintenance which allow services to run safely.

The operator says it is unable to provide any train services on days when industrial action is taking place. There will be no rail replacement buses on strike days and passengers are advised to make alternative travel arrangements.

How have the rail strikes affected you? Let us know in our survey here.

Follow all the latest live updates here.

Gemma Owen's former boss issues update on her future after Love Island

Love Island's Gemma Owen could see a career change when she leaves the Villa, but there are hopes she remains doing what she was "successful" at.

The 19-year-old entered the dating show villa earlier this month, telling everyone she was an international dressage star. Currently coupled with Luca Bish, Gemma has found herself in the spotlight on this year's show, with mixed reactions from viewers.

But as the star continues on her Love Island journey, the Chief Executive of British Dressage has shared his views on Gemma appearing on the show, and her future afterwards, the Daily Star exclusively reports. Having competed since a young age, Gemma has taken part in big competitions, she previously revealed.

READ MORE: 'Elton John's' appearance at Anfield petrol station explained

Speaking of Gemma's previous success, Jason Brautigam said: "We are fully supportive of Gemma and wish her all the best of luck in Love Island. Gemma is a very successful dressage rider, representing Great Britain on our Junior team at the FEI Under 21 European Championships in Oliva, Spain last year, as well as finishing runner-up in our Young Rider class at the 2021 British Dressage National Championships.

"We very much hope Gemma will continue to pursue her burgeoning career in dressage after her time on Love Island and we are sure the equestrian community will be fully behind her."

Read more here.

M6 sign issues warning to drivers using motorway this week

Motorists who use the M6 are being warned to expect a surge in traffic as train passengers switch to road transport during the rail strikes.

Over the weekend, several gantry matrix signs displayed messages to drivers who use the M6. The signs warned of potential disruption from June 21 to 25 amid train strikes and told motorists to expect heavy traffic.

The AA has predicted the worst affected roads are likely to be main motorway arteries. A spokesman said: "Even though the strike is for three days, many travellers will give up on the trains for the whole week.

READ MORE: Live updates as train strike causes major travel disruption across Merseyside

"It coincides with big events like Glastonbury and the Goodwood Festival of Speed, so drivers not going to those locations are advised to give the areas a wide berth. Generally we predict a big increase in traffic in Scotland, Wales and major routes across the UK.

"The impact will be slightly cushioned by record fuel prices deterring some and more commuters deciding to work from home but congestion will still be a problem."

RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said the strikes will "inevitably lead to the roads being used more".

Read the full story here.

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