Trade union representatives are planning a rally outside County Hall next week, to protest against the council’s controversial allowances rise.

An extraordinary meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 4, at 10.30am to revisit the decision to grant allowance increases to all councillors, which sees some receiving an extra 36 per cent.

Members of Unison, GMB and other trade unions will gather outside County Hall in Trowbridge at 10am to protest against the rise, and again at noon to lobby councillors.

Rosie MacGregor, White Horse Wiltshire TUC secretary, said: “This is an opportunity to make the public aware of the work our members carry out for the community and the inequity between our pay rises and the enormous hike in expenses received by councillors.

"It is too good an opportunity for us to pass up.

“Despite assertions to the contrary by the council leader staff morale at County Hall is at an all time low, and hard-worked staff following massive reductions in staffing levels are feeling the strain and are grossly undervalued.”