EAST Lindsey District Council’s services look likely to remain largely unaffected during national strike action on July 16 and 17.

Although a number of employees will be using their right to strike following a request by their Trade Union, Unison, the Council has put contingency plans in place to ensure smooth running of services.

Discussions with staff suggest that most services will be operating as normal with the exception of the Licensing Team and Customer Service Centres in Spilsby and Horncastle. The impact on the waste collection service will be assessed on the day of the strike.

During the strike, the Licensing Team will have an answer phone system in place and residents needing to use Horncastle or Spilsby Customer Service Centres are being encouraged to either telephone or use the Council’s website.

The Council’s Strategic Director, Stuart Davy, said: "We are working closely with our staff to gauge how services are likely to be affected by the strike action.

"Staff have been asked to inform us if they wish to strike so that we can make alternative arrangements if necessary. It is important that we minimise disruption as much as possible for local residents."

The trade union, Unison, has called the two-day strike after rejecting a final pay offer made nationally of 2.45% for the year 2008/09.

For information –

Customer Service Centre 08446 601111

Website – www.e-lindsey.gov.uk