THE strike by postal workers is set to disrupt services across the borough over the coming days.

Thousands of Royal Mail staff across the country are taking industrial action over pay and the modernisation of the services.

Millions of items are estimated to be part of a backlog as members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) began the 24-hour walk out. Union bosses also threatened yesterday another series of strikes next week unless an agreement can be reached with ACAS.

With fears nationally that services and businesses will be left in chaos, Barnet Council claims it has moved to minimise disruption to residents in the borough.

A set of “contingency plans” have been put in place by council chiefs, including drop in centres, helplines and online information services.

Blue badge applications and renewals are being handled by the assisted travel section, who will contact customers by telephone when their badge is ready.

There will be an option of either collecting the badge from North London Business Park (NLBP) between 10.30 and 11.30am on Wednesday or 2pm and 3pm on Friday, or waiting for the post.

Any issues that arise with adult social services bills or invoices arriving late or not arriving should call 020 8359 2238 to discuss with the financial assessment team.

Council officers have advised anyone planning to submit a new premises licence application, a premises licence review, a premises licence variation or transfer or a temporary event notice during the postal strike should also contact the council by email, fax or phone.

A statement from the council said this was “to ensure arrangements can be made that will mean statutory deadlines are not missed”.

Parents applying for secondary school places for 2010/11 are being encouraged to hand deliver applications directly to schools or apply online via www.eadmissions.org.uk, as the deadline for applications to be received is Friday.

People worried about housing benefit claims or payments and renewed parking permits are urged to contact the council's call centre or visit www.barnet.gov.uk for further information.

Anyone who normally pays council tax via cheque are being asked to look into other ways of payment to ensure they do not miss deadlines.

A council statement said: “All services will take the postal strike into account when dealing with enquiries from residents and will make allowances where the strike has obviously caused difficulties.”

Councillor Lynne Hillan, cabinet member for resources, said: "Officers across the council's services have been making preparations for the strike, and hopefully we can minimise the disruption to our residents and partners during this difficult time for everyone.

“The bottom line is that we will endeavour to provide business as usual and will allocate extra resources where and when needed to ensure that residents' contact with the council is as smooth as possible."

Residents with any concerns about the effect of the strike on council services, they can contact the councl's switchboard on 020 8359 2000.