STRIKING council staff demonstrated at Ebley Mill on Monday following a dispute over pay and conditions.

Members of public sector workers' union UNISON - which represents around 40 percent of Stroud District Council's 615 staff - voted in favour of the walk-out earlier this month.

It is the first of a series of one-day strikes over a new pay and grading structure.

Employees have been issued with new contracts and those who refuse to sign will be dismissed.

Conciliation service ACAS was called in to act as a mediator after talks between management and UNISON officials broke down.

Christina Cook, UNISON's regional officer, said: "The people of Stroud have one person to blame for the disruption to services on Monday - the chief executive David Hagg.

"He has consistently refused to consider any solution which makes changes by consensus."

Meanwhile, opposition councillors have requested an urgent meeting with Mr Hagg to try and resolve the problem.

Labour councillor Charlie Burling (Lab, Cainscross) said it was time for the Conservative cabinet to take control of the situation.

"They have let the officers run away with this and I think it's about time they showed some leadership," he said.

"They really have got to get round the table and thrash this out."

Stroud's Tourist Information Centre was closed for the day and members of the public were advised to make an appointment before visiting Ebley Mill.

However, Mr Hagg said it was mainly business as usual.

A statement issued by management said: "We are maintaining our service to the public and thank them for their patience.

"Around two thirds of staff at Ebley Mill are working normally, which includes some UNISON members.

"Our swimming pools, leisure centres and sports facilities are working normally, 11 of our sheltered housing schemes are working normally and the other ones are being provided cover as they would on a bank holiday.

"The Tourist Information Centre is shut but we are answering telephone enquiries.

"We are continuing to work with ACAS in our efforts to resolve matters."