Fife Council is warning that, due to industrial action called by UNISON, eight important phone numbers will be unavailable for customers between Monday 6 and Friday 10 October.

Sharon McKenzie, HR Manager said: "This time, the majority of council services aren't going to be affected by the strike, so schools and other buildings will be open and bins will be collected.

"UNISON is only asking its members working in our contact centre to join industrial action - although they have indicated that this action will last all week.

"So, while it will be business as usual for most of the council, it will obviously be harder for customers to contact us for some services. We won't be able to answer eight of the most frequently used public telephone numbers."

The phone numbers that will be affected by the proposed strike next week are:

• General enquiries - 08451 55 00 00
• Housing repairs - 08451 55 00 11
• Environment - 08451 55 00 22
• Housing information and advice - 08451 55 00 33
• Money and payments - 08451 55 00 44
• Passes and concessions - 08451 55 00 66
• Births, deaths and marriages - 08451 55 00 77
• Job applications - 08451 55 00 88

All other services will be accessible as normal via published phone numbers. Customers should refer to "A useful guide to council services and how to contact us" or http://www.fifedirect.org.uk/ for the correct number.

Anyone who has already been in direct contact with a council employee should refer to their last letter or email for a direct number to call about the same matter. This number will generally be 08451 55 55 55, followed by a six digit extension number.

Diarmuid Cotter, Senior Manager continued: "Customers who need advice that they would normally get from one of the affected numbers can either look on fifedirect or visit their Local Services Centre who will be able to help.

"Things like reporting street lighting faults or finding opening hours for recycling centres are easy to do online - and there's free internet access at all our libraries. Housing repairs or advice can be discussed face to face at our Local Services Centres.

"Please remember that you can make payments via the automated payment line, 08451 55 00 55 or at PayPoints throughout Fife."

The council apologises for any inconvenience and asks customers to be patient if there is a longer wait than usual at Local Services Centres next week.

A range of services and information is available at www.fifedirect.org.uk/doitonline

In an emergency, customers can call 08451 55 00 99, this line will be open 24 hours.