COUNCIL run services could grind to a halt in Bolton for 24 hours as workers strike for better pay.

Roadsweepers, benefits staff, leisure centre workers, office workers, social service workers, dinner ladies and home care workers are included in the wide spectrum of local authority employees who may not be turning up for work on July 17.

However, emergency cover would still be provided for essential services, such as grave digging and help for vulnerable people will still be provided.

The planned walk-out is part of a national strike organised by public sector unions Unison, the General Municipal and Boiler Workers union and the Transport and General Workers Union.

Unions are campaigning for either a six per cent pay rise or a payment of £1,750 as well as a minimum wage of £11,000 for local government workers.

Workers have so far been offered a three per cent pay rise.

Nationally, 56 per cent of Unison members voted to strike while members of the TGWU and the GMB both voted 66 per cent in favour.

Bolton Council has about 4,000 Unison members, GMB has between 1,100 and 1,200 members while the TGWU -- the manual trade workers' union -- has 81 members.

A TGWU spokesman said: "A lot of North West councils have taken quite a hard line on this, saying they will not offer a penny more than three per cent. That is why we have had tremendous support." "On the day we will make sure that essential services will have emergency cover. We are being very clear -- we will provide emergency cover for the vulnerable.

"Overall the strike will have an effect on council run services on that day. Home helps won't be working, leisure centres won't be opening, town hall benefit staff won't be coming in. Roadsweepers, cleaners, toilet attendants, you name it they will not be working on the day."

GMB Bolton branch secretary Phil Roberts said: "We have been offered the lowest of all public services payment. The next lowest is 3.7 per cent.

"I would have thought that nearly all council services won't have anybody working for them on July 17."

Pauline Dixon, Bolton branch secretary of Unison said: "Basically, we want to catch up with what other public services have got." A Bolton Council spokesman said: "It is very difficult to say what effect the action may have on Bolton Council services."

"We do not at this stage, know how many people will be taking part but all three unions are considering requests from the Council to allow employees who provide life and limb services to be exempt from industrial action.

"We will do our best to keep the public informed of any possible disruption to our usual services."