Press Releases

Council staff on strike two days next week

Date: 08/07/2008

A national strike by public sector workers will take place on Wednesday, July 16, and Thursday, July 17, 2008. The effect this will have on services is as follows:

Refuse Collection

The Council is not expecting the refuse collection service to be affected. However, we cannot be sure until the day, but if there is any disruption, we will inform residents of alternative arrangements, as soon as possible.

Leisure Services

Glossop Pool, Glossop Leisure Centre, and Buxton Pool will be open on both days of the strike. New Mills Leisure Centre will open on Wednesday, July 16, but not on Thursday, July 17.

Pavilion Gardens

Pavilion Gardens will be open and operating, as usual.

Council Offices and the Call Centre

The Council's main offices at Buxton, Glossop and Chinley will all be closed to the public. Call High Peak, our call centre, will be open from 8am to 6pm (phone 0845 129 7777). You can also email the Council on customer-services@highpeak.gov.uk.

Emily Thrane, Executive Councillor for Corporate Services, said: "This is a national dispute, which, in no way, reflects the good employment relations enjoyed locally. Our first priority is to the public and whilst the closure of the Council buildings and receptions identified - largely on health and safety grounds - is bound to have an effect, we will endeavour to maintain services as much as we possibly can."

This advance information may be subject to change and we would advise you to call 0845 129 7777 to check the latest information or look on our website for latest announcements.

The Building Control Service

Staff from the Building Control service will be taking part in the national industrial action on Wednesday, July 16 and Thursday, July 17, therefore, it is unlikely that normal site visits will be carried out.

Building Control Manager, Jeremy Toone, said: "If, for your works to carry on, you would normally expect to be inspected, please take steps to be able to prove that what you have done complies with the Building Regulations. This could be photographs, proofs of purchase for goods or services, etc.

"You should contact us, after the industrial action, to make us aware of the works done, so that our records can be updated and we will be able to issue the appropriate completion certificate. I apologise for any inconvenience caused by this action."

NOTE: If there is a situation that you consider to be dangerous, please contact the police, or call us on 0845 129 7777, and the matter will be investigated.