Weeks of rail disruption could soon come to an end after drivers agreed a deal with London Midland.

Drivers have been refusing to work overtime in a long dispute over pay and conditions, leading to chronic staff shortages and service disruptions between Watford Junction and London Euston – particularly at weekends.

London Midland, which says it is perfectly normal for public transport providers to rely on overtime shifts to maintain an efficient service, was forced to cancel dozens of services each week – forcing many passengers’ plans into chaos.

The Aslef union, which represents 605 of the company’s 614 drivers, reached a preliminary agreement yesterday with company bosses and is advising its drivers to accept the deal.

Proposed strike action has now been called off and services should return to normal this weekend.

Yesterday, MP Richard Harrington had angrily condemned the company for its “pathetic excuse” for continued poor service.

The dispute dates back to the 2007, when London Midland was formed from the disbanded Central and Silverlink franchises and negotiations into harmonised pay and conditions commenced.