A THREATENED strike by staff at Dover, Deal and Walmer castles has been called off. The three castles are among hundreds of historic sites managed by English Heritage which are affected by a pay dispute.

Walmer Castle is one of the Queen Mother’s official homes as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and Dover Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kent.

Bobbie Williams, a spokeswoman at English Heritage’s regional office in Guildford said today that plans for a strike on Friday and next Monday had been suspended while further discussions continue with union representatives. Visitors would be welcomed as usual on both days.

She said that in December last year English Heritage offered a pay deal in excess of the rate of inflation, which amounted to a 3.5 per cent rise and approximately 70 per cent of staff would receive a four per cent increase. Two unions, Prospect and Public and Commercial Services, are unhappy with the offer.

As a protest PCS members had called for a walk-out on Friday with a second one planned for Monday by Prospect members. Terry Adams, senior negotiating officer of PCS, said: “Staff were reluctant to take this action but management imposing one of the lowest pay offers in the civil service rather than negotiate a fair settlement was the last straw.”

English Heritage said a positive resolution was expected “within days”.

“We are continuing informal discussions and both sides are very optimistic of reaching a solution,” added the spokeswoman, who would not say how many staff were affected at Dover, Deal and Walmer castles.

“The issue would affect English Heritage staff as a whole - 1,700 people allowing for seasonal variations, not just those at Dover Castle.