The publisher of the South London Guardian has expressed its disappointment at plans for union members at the title to strike over pay.

The National Union of Journalists voted in favour of the action after rejecting a pay offer from parent company Newsquest.

The union claims an original pay offer of nothing and a revised offer of three per cent were both rejected and that talks at conciliation service ACAS failed to find a solution.

The company denies there was a nought per cent pay offer and says three per cent was always on the table.

A company spokesman said: "Newsquest South London is disappointed that, after seven months of consultation, the NUJ chapel has felt it necessary to recommend to its members that they take strike action.

"Management remain willing to continue discussions in order to reach a settlement.

"The company considers the three per cent increase, backdated to April 1, a fair offer which is made against a difficult trading period and is in line with those offered and accepted elsewhere in the country."

The strikes dates are set for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday July 25, 26 and 27.

The ten-edition Newsquest title has offices in Morden and Croydon and 41 of the 48 editorial staff are thought to be NUJ members.