COUNCIL workers were celebrating today after councillors promised to consult them before making decisions affecting jobs.

Worried staff from Oxford City Council street services department gathered on the Town Hall steps yesterday to protest against possible cuts.

Workers held a two-hour strike over plans to restructure their department before a council committee meeting.

Councillors decided to put off a decision until they had received more details about the proposals and carried out more staff consultation.

The protest began after staff heard that the number of street inspectors, who supervise street maintenance work and cleaning, could be reduced from 12 to nine.

After the meeting, street inspector Steve Lawrence, 49, said he thought councillors had not been fully aware of what was going on. He said: "We've pulled the wool from over their eyes and sense has prevailed."

His colleague, James Collins, 38, said: "They were as unclear as we were. If it wasn't for our persistence, it would've gone through.

"They have listened to us. We've achieved what we set out to do."

The changes involve merging two departments, street services and City Works. The street inspectors said it was important for them to remain independent to do their job properly.

They argued that the merger would compromise their independence, as they were responsible for supervising maintenance done by City Works.

Labour Cllr Susan Brown, who chaired the meeting, said they had not made any final decision and had asked for further consultation with staff.

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