THE MERSEY Tunnels and ferries will close if planned industrial action goes ahead on November 30, all but cutting off the Wirral peninsular.

Merseytravel, the authority in charge of the transport links in Merseyside, confirmed the closures as Unite, the fourth union to which their employees belong, confirmed a ballot for strike action by a three to one margin.

They joined UNISON, whose 1.1m members voted to strike on November 3, UCATT and the GMB who announced industrial action on Wednesday.

As many as 3m public sector employees are set to man picket lines on Wednesday November 30 in a dispute over their pensions.

They say Government changes will mean they have to pay more, work longer and receive less when they retire.

Assuming an eleventh hour deal is not reached both the Kingsway and Queensway tunnels will be closed to the public on the day of action.

That will mean drivers and passengers in the 95,000 vehicles which use the two tunnels every day will have to find an alternative way to cross the river or stay at home.

Police, ambulance and fire engines will still be able to use the Kingsway Tunnel on emergency business after trade union staff volunteered to keep it open for safety reasons.