DEADLOCK between Wilts and Dorset bosses and the bus drivers' union looks likely to mean more strikes and more misery for travellers.

The two sides have not met for talks since Wednesday and both describe the situation as deadlock.

Yesterday no further talks had yet been scheduled, making the next proposed day-long strike on Wednesday ever more likely.

It will be the third time this month bus drivers have staged a walk out over driving hours. They are calling for the maximum driving period to be limited from five-and-a-half hours to four-and-a-half hours.

But after months of talks an agreement is still no nearer being reached.

Phil Bialyk, regional organiser for the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) Union, said the union had proposed suspending strike action for talks, but the offer had been turned down.

He said drivers were frustrated but the feeling was still as strong as ever.

Alex Carter, Wilts and Dorset managing director, said the company's position was that union had to withdraw strike action before useful talks could continue.

He said: "This has become a complex issue that which needs to be resolved properly. It isn't something for a meeting hastily commenced to avoid strikes."

The fourth proposed strike date has been changed from Monday January 21 to Wednesday January 23.