More schools hit by strike action

At least 27 school premises were affected because of the one-day strike over pensions by local government workers.

About 12,000 of Bradford's Council workers were expected to be taking part in today's national walk-out over a pensions dispute with the Government.

Schools were being forced to close because teaching assistants, caretakers, transport staff and dinner ladies were taking part in the strike.

Anthony Mugan, Head of Bradford Council's Education Client Team, said: "So far we have heard 27 schools are expected to close or partially close due to industrial action. This is because some support staff, such as teaching assistants and caretakers will be on strike, and transport for children with special needs will also be affected."

Household waste depots, libraries and Council offices were also set to be closed today. Staff were picketing authority buildings including City Hall where a public meeting of the corporate improvement committee has had to be cancelled.

Leeds-Bradford Airport was also set to be affected with strike action at 11.30am for two hours. Emergency teams were in place to deal with highways issues and social services for the vulnerable were in place.

Most public offices and buildings in Kirklees were closed today, including revenues and benefits services, cash and information offices, libraries, area housing offices and Cleckheaton town hall.

The Council's contact centre - Kirklees Direct - was open on a limited basis for emergency calls.

Schools closed for the day include Hartshead Moor, High Bank First and Nursery and RM Grylls Middle in Liversedge and Whitcliffe Mount Business College in Cleckheaton.

Cleckheaton's Whitcliffe Road First and Nursery closed to foundation pupils only.

Today's walkout of up to 1.5 million council workers is the biggest stoppage since the 1926 General Strike, which involved over 2 million workers and caused the loss of about 162 million working days.