Frances Done, chief executive of Manchester 2002, is urging the rail workers to find another way to settle their pay dispute. She says train stoppages will threaten the travel plans of thousands of Games spectators.

Ms Done is also urging the union not to damage Manchester's image worldwide by strike action as the city hosts the Games, which will be transmitted by radio and television to 72 Commonwealth nations.

First North Western train drivers have announced they are intending to strike on July 28 and July 29 over pay. This means services taking spectators to Sport City could be heavily disrupted and more people may have to drive in.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive's Director General, Chris Mulligan, said if the strikers go ahead road congestion will be "severe".

Aslef's general secretary Mick Rix said: "First North Western Drivers are now the lowest-paid in the country and we are determined that they receive the same decent rates of pay as drivers in comparable companies elsewhere.

"I hope First North Western management will see the sense in this before industrial action commences."