STRIKING council workers are set to cause chaos in Gwent on Wednesday.

Members of UNISON, GMB and the TGWU will stage a one-day strike in protest over a three per cent pay offer, demanding a six per cent increase.

In the Caerphilly county borough most major service providers will close, including all schools, leisure centres, libraries, day centres, administration, housing, cash and social services offices.

A council spokesman said: "Almost all facilities will be shut as we cannot guarantee safety.

"However, it is important that the public are aware that in an emergency, contact can be made with the authority by calling 01443 875500. The social welfare of the most vulnerable will be maintained."

Blaenau Gwent council is still negotiating with the unions to finalise emergency provisions, but warned that residents should expect widespread disruption.

Cwm resident Norma Edmunds said she sympathised with workers - but some older villagers could be affected by the strike.

"Not everyone has got someone living close by," she added.

Tony Edwards, who runs a residential care home for adults in Troedyrhiw, Wattsville, said he did not yet know if daycare centres in Risca, which residents attend, would open on Wednesday.

And mum Karen Whittaker, of Cwmfelinfach, was due to find out today if her son's school, Ynysddu Primary would shut for the day.

A spokesman for Monmouthshire council said "considerable disruption" was expected.

"We are currently talking to unions about providing cover for the more vulnerable groups like the elderly.

"We will be trying to keep as many services as possible going on Wednesday."

In Newport, some leisure facilities will close and around half the city's schools. The refuse service collection will be disrupted and services generally reduced.

Michele Day, secretary of Newport UNISON, said more than 20 per cent of local government workers doing vital jobs earn less than £5 an hour, and the average wage is well below the national average.

"We are striking on Wednesday in support of the claim for fair wages. However, we are and always have been committed to providing emergency cover for 'life and limb' situations and will not knowingly put anyone at risk," she said.

* In the picture: Services affected include refuse collection