Tube bosses trumpeted plans yesterday to unleash a scab army in a bid to break next month's planned London Underground strike.

Rail union RMT has called two 48-hour walkouts on February 4 and 11 while fellow union TSSA is still balloting its members on whether to take joint action.

The unions warn that the ticket office closures will lead to hundreds of job losses and hit the safety of the travelling public.

Transport for London said it would deploy euphemistically named "ambassadors" to keep stations open during the strikes.

It claimed over 1,000 staff have signed up and will be joined by more volunteers, who will keep passengers informed on how Tube services are operating and offer advice on alternative travel options.

But TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said: "This is yet another gimmick by our publicity-obsessed mayor which shows he is determined to force an unnecessary showdown with the rail unions to further his own naked political ambition.

"His so-called ambassadors are merely management strike-breakers who will not be able to run anything like a full Tube service if the strike goes ahead."

RMT leader Bob Crow added: "Rather than pulling desperate publicity stunts, the mayor and TFL should be focused on resolving the issues at the heart of this dispute, which are about safety, access and the quality of service to Londoners, which are set to be hammered by de-staffing our stations and closing ticket offices.

"The idea that a scab army of volunteers can replace the work of thousands of engineers, drivers, technical and station staff is dangerous nonsense and senior LU officials know that."

LU chief operating officer Phil Hufton claimed TfL's "modernisation" plans will leave stations staffed at all operating times.

"In fact, we will have more staff visible and available in ticket halls and on platforms to help customers buy the right ticket, plan their journeys and to keep them safe and secure."

He said the firm was committed to implementing the changes without compulsory redundancies.

Talks between the two sides were adjourned earlier this week and are due to resume today.