TALKS to stop weeks of rail strikes throughout December have ended with no resolution, leaving commuters unsure about travel.

'Crisis talks' began on Tuesday, aimed at stopping strikes planned for 27 days of December. On Thursday,

When the sides did not reach an agreement, general secretary of transport union RMT Mick Cash said: "No proposals that would enabling a resolution have been put forward.

"Throughout these ‎talks, South Western Railway have not shown any intention of moving the heart of the dispute forward despite earlier assurances. It has become increasingly clear they are not interested in reaching a settlement at this time."

South Western Railway's managing director, Andy Mellors, said: "We are working hard on detailed plans for the period of the strikes and we will do everything we can to keep customers moving.

"We expect to be running more than half of our normal Monday - Friday services, prioritising capacity and providing a similar number of peak services to previous strikes."

"We know, during the strike action, services will be busier than usual and we will have rail replacement services in some places. We’re working to make sure our tickets are accepted by other transport providers wherever possible.

"Please check before you travel, and we will make sure the latest information is available on our website."

The dispute began with disagreement about the role and duties of guards on new trains. On Wednesday, the company said they would ensure guards would be placed on all future trains. A spokesman said: "We believe that these promises deliver what the RMT has been asking for, so these strikes are unnecessary."

The train operator says timetables for travelling in the strike period will be published early next week.