COUNCIL buildings and schools across the region are to shut on Wednesday during the first local government strike since 1989.

Local authority unions Unison, GMB and TGWU have called the pay strike after members' demands of a six per cent pay increase were rejected.

Now councils are preparing for a shut down of many services during the 24-hour industrial action.

Chester-le-Street District Council has ann-ounced contingency plans. It anticipates there will be limited services still running, but said that the town's leisure centre, and Selby Cottage Childcare Centre will be closed for the day.

About 5,000 properties will be affected by the absence of refuse collectors, and street cleaning services will also be suspended during the action.

Teesdale District Council has also announced its the closure of the Teesdale Sports Centre, the tourist information centre and the office at the depots at Stainton Grove.

It is advising people who usually have refuse collections then not to put their rubbish out on that day.

Across the region planners, engineers, technicians, dinner ladies, teaching assistants and other workers will be picketing.

But the unions will be allowing emergency cover for vulnerable people.

Unison estimates there are more than 270,000 Unison members earning less than £5 an hour and has rejected a three per cent pay offer.