Strike set to disrupt council services in Renfrewshire

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Renfrewshire Council is advising that a national one-day strike by several trade unions is set to disrupt council services on Tuesday (March 28).

The strike by members of Unison, T&G Scotland, Amicus and UCATT is part of a UK-wide stoppage over proposed pension changes for public service workers.

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “We are making every effort to maintain the services where possible. However, it’s clear there will be disruption to many services and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“Our general advice is to recommend that people contact directly their regular service for the latest position. Council departments are already making every effort to contact regular or vulnerable clients in advance where they are liable to be affected.”

Council chiefs are also urging the public to remember that the numbers listed below are for emergency use only on Tuesday.

At this stage, the latest position is as follows. All primary schools will be open. All secondary schools will be open for S4, S5 and S6 pupils only. All special schools will be closed. Parents of nursery children will be advised on arrangements by individual nursery heads.

Most social work services and projects will be closed to the public or drastically reduced. A reduced level of home care services will also be available. A limited service for people who urgently need to contact the Social Work department will be available between 8.45am and 4.45pm on 0141 842 5151.

All libraries will be closed. Paisley Museum and Art Galleries, Coats Observatory, Renfrew Community Museum, Paisley Arts Centre and Paisley Town Hall will be closed.
Most community facilities will be closed. However, the following centres may open. Once again, the advice is check the situation on the day.

• Bishopton Community Centre, Bishopton - 01505 863354
• Elderslie Community Hall, Elderslie - 01505 322732
• Foxbar Rivers Community Building, Paisley - 01505 815941
• Cherrie Centre, Renfrew - 0141 886 6388
• South End Action Centre, Paisley - 0141 889 0920
• Beechwood Community Centre, Paisley - 0141 889 6943
• Kirklandneuk Community Centre, Renfrew - 0141 886 5159
• Langbank Community Centre, Langbank - 01475 540413

All frontline environmental services, including refuse collection, are likely to be disrupted. All housing offices will be closed. There will be no concierge, caretaking or sheltered warden service available to the public. For genuine housing emergencies between 8.45am and 4.45pm contact 0141 889 5296 for council house repairs and 0141 840 3352 regarding homelessness.

To report a dangerous building, call 0141 889 5296. Reports of dangerous road defects or flooding can be made on 0141 889 2314 - both during normal office hours.

An emergency registration service may be available at Paisley Registration Office. Before any visit, contact the registration office on 0141 840 3388.

The council headquarters at Cotton Street, Paisley, will be closed to the public. The Policy Board and other meetings scheduled for that day are cancelled.

There are several contact numbers for genuine emergencies outwith office hours

• Council house repairs 0141 889 5296
• Flooding (roads and culverts) 0141 889 2314
• Dangerous buildings 0141 889 5296
• Homeless 0800 811 505

Press Release: Monday 27 March 2006