Railway stations across the county were left empty yesterday as train services ground to a halt due to continued strike action.

Thousands of striking rail workers walked out amid ongoing disputes over pay and conditions on the second day of several 48-hour strikes this month.

Inside Brighton station, coffee shops and other businesses felt the brunt of the strike action.

Aga, one of the managers at Wolfox, said she felt as though the rail strikes were affecting business "massively".

Wolfox's branch in the station thrives off passing commuter trade, and on strike days much of that is lost.

She told The Argus: "We are already making one fifth of our usual takings, which is nothing really, compared to other days.

"Also, we didn't have time to reduce our standing orders so that will result in a great wastage of food.

"Instead of having a few people on the shift, it's just me, so my colleagues won't get their hours. It happens every time the strikes happen."

The Argus: Passengers can still travel to and from the capital with a severely reduced servicePassengers can still travel to and from the capital with a severely reduced service (Image: NQ Staff)

Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Southern, Gatwick Express and Thameslink services advise passengers not to travel unless neccessary on strike days.

Chief operating officer Angie Doll said: “We're really sorry for the enormous inconvenience this RMT action will cause to all of our customers during this week's two 48-hour strikes.

“We understand how these strikes and the uncertainty caused by the ensuing industrial action will be incredibly difficult for customers, particularly over the festive and New Year period.

"We don’t want our customers to get caught out and urge you to plan ahead and make alternative travel arrangements if necessary.”

From Brighton, there was a severely reduced service to London and Hove, along with nothing eastbound towards Lewes and Eastbourne.

Secretary General of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT), Mick Lynch said: "We don’t like disrupting the public and we apologise for the disruption that’s being caused.

"We hope that people can amend their plans and get to where they need to go during this period, but they can be assured that we’re working to try and get an agreement so that we can end this dispute."
Further strikes are planned for tomorrow and Saturday, with more over Christmas and into the new year.