STRIKES on South Western Railway (SWR) could be resolved if guards are allowed a few seconds more to ensure the safe despatch of trains, union leaders said today.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said it had set out a framework for renewed talks in a bid to resolve a long-running row over the role of guards.

Union members at SWR were on the picket lines again today on the third of 27 strike days scheduled during December.