PUBLIC services in East Lancashire could be left in chaos when council workers go on strike next month.

GMB, Unison, and Unite members will down tools on October 14 in a dispute over pay, which could see schools and libraries disrupted, and bins left unemptied.

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The unions, which represent more than half a million workers, said their members had taken a ‘20 per cent real-terms pay cut’ in the past four years.

Care workers, librarians, teaching assistants, school cooks and refuse collectors are all expected to take part in the strike action, just days before a national ‘Britain Needs a Pay Rise’ demo on October 18.

Head of local government at Unison, Heather Wakefield, said: “Employers and government must be left in no doubt that we are serious in this dispute.

“Our members cannot afford to carry on propping up local services through their pay packets.”

Burnley Council’s contact centre, its main switchboard and Burnley Town Hall reception will be closed. Direct phone lines will continue to work, however.

A spokesman said: “Waste collections and street cleansing will continue, Burnley Market Hall and St Peter’s and Padiham Leisure Centres will remain open, as will Towneley Hall.”

Rossendale Council said it expects ‘minimal disruption’ but will continue to monitor the situation.

Harry Catherall, chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, added: “We have tried and tested plans in place to help make sure we are able to provide as many services as possible. Our priority is supporting the most vulnerable people in the community who rely on our services.”

A county council spokesman said procedures were in place to ensure services for vulnerable people.

He advised parents to check with schools about closures.