COUNCIL chiefs today apologised for disruption as strikes by authority workers over pension rights brought many York services to a standstill.

David Atkinson, City of York Council's chief executive, said the authority had a duty to maintain as many services as it could as workers affiliated to the Unison union walked out in a day of strike action.

There were pickets at the Guildhall and at other council offices, as workers protested at Government plans to change the 85-year rule, which could affect staff who take early retirement.

Mr Atkinson said: "This is a national strike and though we understand the concerns of the unions, we must also have regard to the needs of our customers.

"I would like to apologise for any disruption to services and to reassure residents that we will do everything we can to maintain essential services."

Several schools across the region were closed today, as was the city council's finance centre, and both the city's swimming pools.

Heather McKenzie, York Unison chief, said the early morning picket was well attended.

"We want everyone to stand together on this. I hope it shows the Government we are serious," she said.

"This is not just about people working now but about those into the future. We are very pleased with the response from workers, and the public has also been supportive."

Some Environment Agency staff joined today's strike, although a spokeswoman said this would not affect front-line duties.

Updated: 09:57 Tuesday, March 28, 2006