COUNCILS across Comet country have warned of possible disruption to services due to industrial action by public sector workers. The strike has been called over a dispute with the Govern-ment s over the local government pension scheme Mid Beds District Cou

COUNCILS across Comet country have warned of possible disruption to services due to industrial action by public sector workers.

The strike has been called over a dispute with the Govern-ment's over the local government pension scheme

Mid Beds District Council's offices in Biggleswade will be closed to visitors on the day of the strike next Tuesday.

The council anticipate many staff will go on strike and are putting measures in place to minimise disruption. Waste and recycling collections will go ahead as normal.

Stevenage Borough Council has also promised to keep disruption to a minimum.

A council spokesman said: "It is not possible to judge what impact a strike may have on the council's services, but it is likely that some may be reduced or indeed unavailable."

Anyone experiencing problems with council services on Tuesday can call 01438 242242.

A spokesman for North Herts District Council said: "We have plans in place to maintain essential services to the public, especially to vulnerable groups."

Tara Page, North Herts UNISON branch secretary, said: "Members of UNISON at North Herts District Council will be taking action in line with colleagues nationally.

"Such action is always taken reluctantly as it will inevitably impact on the services the council provides.

"Nine of the country's biggest unions have overwhelmingly voted 'yes' to strike action because the Government and the Local Government Association refuse to pay out what they promised on the pension scheme.

"The reality is that the average annual LGPS pension is £3,800 for men and just £1,600 for women.