NOBODY who has watched binmen at work, or seen road sweepers clearing up the mess left by others, can deny that the work done by countless council employees can be dirty, difficult and unpleasant.

Most people would probably agree that many services workers are worth more than they are being paid.

Nevertheless the men and women who are on strike today in support of a six per cent pay rise should examine the wisdom of what they are doing.

Common sense must surely tell them that there is no way local authorities in general, and in particular Swindon Borough Council, can afford to pay increases of that size.

So short-term withdrawal of their labour is not likely to make one penny's worth of difference. It will certainly have little impact on the Government.

It will, however, hit at some of the most vulnerable people who live in this community. They will suffer more than mere inconvenience because services they rely on have been withdrawn.

We believe that the striking workers should have accepted the three per cent deal they have been offered and resumed their pay campaign peacefully another day.

There is no point in hurting people in a war which cannot be won.