Transport Secretary Stephen Byers visited Blackburn yesterday -- and told reporter DAVID HIGGERSON train firms hit by strikes and poor performance which bring misery for travellers will no longer be tolerated.

TRANSPORT secretary Stephen Byers has warned troubled train operator Arriva to improve their services in East Lancashire - or it faces losing its franchise.

As commuters using railway stations at Blackburn, Accrington and Burnley continue to suffer delays and cancellations on Arriva's transpennine service, Mr Byers said he understood commuters' concerns.

The firm, which is currently embroiled in industrial disputes with train drivers and conductors and has regularly had to cancel services because of strikes, was recently fined £2million by the Strategic Rail Authority for failing to meet driver recruitment targets.

During a visit to Blackburn with Darwen Council yesterday, Mr Byers said it was his priority to give areas such as East Lancashire a reliable train network.

Mr Byers, who has faced calls to resign over his handling of Railtrack , said: "There are several issues facing people trying to use trains in East Lancashire which are understandably causing concern.

"One is the continuing industrial disputes which do need to be resolved as soon as possible. In this day and age, I do not think the appropriate way of dealing with these issues is through industrial action because the passengers suffer."

Conductors at Arriva are currently striking over the fact they are paid less than drivers and are also expected to earn part of their wage through commission on the sale of tickets.

Their dispute has been running since Christmas and they were further angered this week when it was revealed Arriva chief executive Bob Davies' has received a £200,000 bonus for his performance last year.

Mr Byers said: "I am also very concerned at the way Arriva are operating and their poor performance in terms of punctuality and reliability.

"They have already been fined once and if their performance doesn't improve then I have no doubt it will happen again.

"They are expressing an interest in other franchises at the moment and their franchise for the route which goes through East Lancashire is also due for renewal. Their current performance is considered when franchises are looked at and if they don't improve, they won't be keeping them."

No comment was available from Arriva.