Council services in Worthing will be brought to a standstill tomorrow.

More than 150 members of staff from Worthing Borough Council are expected to take part in the one-day national strike.

Refuse collections will be severely affected. Only one round in Worthing will operate and that will be in rural areas.

Worthing Museum and Art Gallery in Chapel Road will be closed, the Aquarena will be shut for swimming and the council's IT services will be down.

The strike has been called by three trade unions, Unison, TGWU and GMB, following a failure to agree the 2002/3 national pay award.

Unions have been offered a three per cent pay rise but have declined the offer and are campaigning for a six per cent rise.

Chris Cook, Unison spokesman for Worthing council, said: "This is a stand to show throughout the country that three per cent is a poor relation to what staff in all other public services get. Everyone has had their bit. It's our turn now."

A statement from council chief executive Sheryl Grady said: "As a result of the national strike some of the council's services to its customers will be affected on Wednesday.

"The council is endeavouring to provide the best possible service it can with reduced staff."

She has also issued a plea to the public only to call the council offices tomorrow on urgent matters.

An estimated £1.2 million council workers nationwide are expected to take part in the strike.