Video: public sector staff unite for day of action

A number of schools were partially open or closed on the day, while firefighters downed tools between 10am-7pm.

Mansfield and Ashfield fire crews received just three calls on the day, the most serious being a road traffic collision in Selston.

Across the county, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue reported no major problems and provided an emergency response to 16 calls.

John Buckley, Nottinghamshire’s Chief Fire Officer, said: “The situation is far from ideal and, while arrangements have worked well, they are no substitute for our full strength fire and rescue provision.

“I therefore repeat my hope that the government and FBU can resume the necessary negotiations to bring this dispute to an end and we can resume our established fire and rescue cover both in Nottinghamshire and across the country.”

Many schools opened partially on the day. Warsop’s Meden School remained open for Years 7, 10, 11, 12 and 13.

Headteacher Dave Hooker said: “We stayed open for Year 7 because they are the most vulnerable kids in terms of child care issues.

“About 20 per cent of our staff were on strike on the day.”

Of the 639 Mansfield District Council staff due to work on the day just over 71 per cent took strike action.

The strike meant no recyclable, garden or trade waste was collected, Walkden Street car park and town centre toilets were closed and only major housing repairs were carried out.

Meanwhile, Mansfield and Ashfield firefighters continue to strike for two-hour periods every day until Monday next week.