CAMBRIDGESHIRE County Council is optimistic of keeping disruption to services to a minimum when some public sector workers go on strike on July 16-17, during an ongoing national dispute over pay. The County Council works closely with the local authority t

CAMBRIDGESHIRE County Council is optimistic of keeping disruption to services to a minimum when some public sector workers go on strike on July 16-17, during an ongoing national dispute over pay.

The County Council works closely with the local authority trade unions and is currently in discussion with them on ways to ensure vital front line services are provided wherever possible.

At the present time the County Council cannot be sure precisely how many staff will join the protest, or exactly where picket lines may be in place. But, Chief Executive Mark Lloyd, has pledged to do all he can to ensure that there is minimum disruption to services.

Mark Lloyd, said; "The Council will do everything it can to ensure services are maintained wherever possible and I would like to thank both our local trade union officials and the staff who are trade union members in Cambridgeshire for their responsible approach during the strike action.

A picket line is expected at the Council's Shire Hall headquarters in Cambridge, but thanks to agreement with the trade unions, Registration Services on the same site used for weddings and registrations of births and deaths will not be affected. Registrars are precluded from taking strike action.

The Council's Emergency Duty Team (EDT) and the County Council's Cambridgeshire Direct Contact Centre - thanks to agreement with the trade unions - will also be exempt from the strike - the EDT is on call outside of office hours and at weekends to help any individual or family in crisis or in need of Social Services assistance or support. The Emergency Duty Team can be contacted on (01733) 234724.