STRIKING Swindon Council workers today paid tribute to the support received from members of the public during Wednesday's one-day stoppage.

Thousands of workers downed tools in the biggest industrial strike the town has witnessed since the 1979 Winter of Discontent.

Spokeswoman for Unison's Swindon branch Geraldine Fernandez said: "Our members felt extremely pleased with the response we had from the public.

"I think we only had one person who said he didn't agree with what we were doing and even he changed his mind once he had spoken to picketers."

She said the union had received 100 new members as a result of the industrial action and only received about 10 resignations in protest.

She said: "The majority of members who could take action did so."

More than 2,000 Swindon workers joined the national one-day strike in protest against the Government's three per cent pay offer for council staff. There were no refuse collections and affected facilities included the Oasis Centre, Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Lydiard House, council car parks, West Swindon library and all council receptions except the Civic Offices.

Workers are asking for a six per cent pay increase or £1,750, whichever is greater. Their aim is to bring the minimum wage in local government up to £11,170.

Strikers manned a dozen picket lines at council facilities throughout town from as early as 4am.

Placard-waving protesters outside the council's main offices at Premier House, in the town centre, were rewarded with shows of support from passing motorists, bus drivers and cabbies, who sounded their horns.

Workers in key sectors, such as care of the elderly, were exempt from taking part in the strike.

But union officials have said that in future actions these exemptions may not be maintained.