THOUSANDS of Environment Agency workers across England are set to take historic strike action on Wednesday in a significant escalation of their pay dispute.

The walkout, the first in the public body’s history, is due to take place between 8am and 5pm, public services union Unison confirmed yesterday.

The agency’s staff maintain important safety structures, including the Thames Barrier and coastal sea defences, and also protect communities from floods, water pollution, spills, waste fires and fly-tipping.