UNION officials at Swindon Council have been urged to avert a strike by settling a pension row over the negotiating table.

Unison convenors have met Swindon's two MPs to voice their anger about Government proposals to change the pension scheme.

The union's 2,500 members at Swindon Council are expected to vote at the end of March on whether to take strike action a move which would halt many frontline services.

Swindon South MP Julia Drown said she sympathised with union members but urged them not to walk out.

She said: "I understand they want to get across their strength of feeling about the pension scheme and I have agreed to press their concerns with Ministers but I want to avoid strike action.

"People rely on the council from everything from rubbish collection to home help and something like this could hit them hard."

Swindon North MP Michael Wills said: "A strike will not help anyone either Unison or Swindon."

Workers believe the changes, which have been announced in Parliament, will water down the public sector pension.

One will see an increase in the retirement age.

They claim a move to a basic pay scheme rather than final salary scheme will result in a 30 per cent pension cut for those who retire at 60.

Swindon Unison branch secretary Bob Cretchley said: "I have met both the MPs now and I am hopeful they will lobby the Government on our behalf.

"People are incensed by these changes and a strike is inevitable unless the Government withdraws these regulations."