SCHOOL, libraries and day centres across Cheshire will be closed by striking local government workers seeking a better pay deal.
Unison members throughout the country are withdrawing their labour on Wednesday and Thursday in support of a 6% pay claim but the government has so far only offered 2.45%.
Eight Cheshire schools including Hoole CE Primary and Special Schools Dee Banks and Capenhurst Grange are closing completely, while five are partially closing including Bishops’ Bluecoat CE High School in Boughton.
Children’s services director Joan Feenan said: “The decision to close completely has been taken only when headteachers have carried out a risk assessment and consider that there is no alternative open to them.
“Our special schools have been hit badly, which we expected, simply because of their increased dependence on support staff. However the vast majority of Cheshire 340-plus schools will be opened as normal.”
Parents of children affected by the pay strike will have been informed in advance.
Cheshire County Council’s yellow school buses will not be operating but services run by contractors will operate as normal.
Union action will close all adult mental health and physical and learning disability services throughout the county, with the exception of Meadow Bank Lodge in Winsford.
But with union support, essential services to the most vulnerable clients will be maintained, either at their homes or at a pre-arranged location.
While negotiations were continuing with the union today (Tuesday) it is hoped that the same situation will apply in older people’s services (over 65s) for totally dependent clients.
The action will also close Chester library on Wednesday and Thursday will see the closure of Hoole, Lache, Blacon, Bishops’ and Frodsham libraries, with Upton opening for the afternoon only. Cheshire Record Office, three children’s centres and day centres for adults and older people will be closed during the strike period.
It is also believed a handful of school crossing patrols will be on strike. No cover is available but schools have been informed and the vast majority of patrols will be on duty as normal.
All residential and home care essential services will be covered. Social services access teams will offer essential but reducedŠcover and emergency duty teams will operate as normal.
Highways officers in the west (Chester & Ellesmere Port), central (Vale Royal & Crewe), east (Macclesfield & Congleton) will all provide cover during office hours and out-of-hours in the west and central areas.
No closures of any county council office buildings are expected. Trading standards will operate as normal and Tatton Park will be open as usual.
