A STRIKE by local government workers across Bromsgrove caused disruption in the town with schools and libraries among those affected.

The one-day strike yesterday (Tuesday) over pensions saw Chadsgrove and Rigby Hall schools closed and Charford First and North Bromsgrove High schools had partial closures.

Bromsgrove and Rubery libraries were also shut all day, and Wendron Day Centre, in Windsor Street, was affected.

There were picket lines outside the Council House, in Burcot Lane, and at the entrance to Bromsgrove District Housing Trust, in Buntsford Hill.

Concerning social care, Worcestershire County Council said it had negotiated with UNISON and agreed exemptions from strike action for staff where they worked in areas of hands-on personal care and out of hours life threatening emergency situations.

Carol Edwards, regional officer for UNISON, one of the union's involved, said the picket line outside the Council House had gone very well, with the majority of union members staying away.

"The people who have gone into work have supported us and taken leaflets with details about the pensions issue. We were outside the Council House during the morning to protest as people arrived at work," she said.

Carol added that all sorts of professionals were affected by the pensions, including probation, teaching assistants and civilian police staff.

Local government workers are angry that the Government is threatening to change pension rights and benefits.

The retirement rate for local government workers is 65, but some employees can retire from 60 onwards depending on how long they have worked and paid into the pension scheme. The Government is planning to make them work until 65 regardless of these factors.

l REFUSE collection and recycling services have been disrupted because of strike action.

There was no collection yesterday (Tuesday) and there will be no green collection this week.

Today (Wednesday) grey waste and recycling as normal plus recycling collection from Tuesday.

Tomorrow (Thursday) grey waste and recycling as normal plus grey waste collection from Tuesday.

On Friday grey waste and recycling as normal, plus any grey or recycling missed from earlier in the week.