ANXIOUS council workers took to the town hall steps for a protest against plans to raise their retirement age.

The rally took place on Friday, as ballot papers over strike action were sent to Bury Council staff.

Public workers' union Unison is concerned at an increase in the minimum early retirement age increased from 50 to 55.

The standard age for retirement is to be raised from 60 to 65.

Up to 60 people joined the hour-long demonstration, which was part of a Trades Union Congress day of action.

Members of Unison's 3,500-strong branch were joined by colleagues from public sector unions GMB and Amicus.

Unions aim to raise the profile of a Parliamentary Early Day Motion for the changes to be scrapped.

The motion has been signed by Bury North MP David Chaytor, but not by Bury South MP and junior education minister Ivan Lewis.

Unison branch secretary Steve Morton said: "The demonstration went very well and was quite good-humoured.

"Managers and manual workers alike were there to show their objections to this fundamental attack on their security in old age."

Council employees are to vote on the prospect of a one-day strike after the union sent papers to their homes late last week.

Mr Morton said: "Unless we have a result through negotiations, I believe that we will get an overwhelming vote in favour of strike action.

"There is such an overwhelming feeling against this that people who would never even think of striking over general pay are now considering it."

Results of the ballot are due on March 9, with a prospective date for industrial action on March 23.