Union officials have removed the threat of further bin strike action after reaching an agreement with council officers.

The agreement was reached after days of talks surrounding the future of the Cityclean service in Brighton and Hove.

As part of the agreement an extra refuse vehicle will be made available on a trial basis until early autumn.

Speaking after the meeting yesterday, GMB branch secretary Mark Turner said: “It’s unfortunate we had to get to this position but we had to bring the management to the table.

"It’s been a difficult time and we have other issues and other agreements that have not been reached.

“I’m confident we’ll sort the detail but the critical thing is getting that additional crew on the road.

"We’ve come to an agreement that’s comfortable for management and us so that residents get a good service.”

On the discussions, he added: “I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a bit prickly at the beginning but the meetings we’ve had over the last couple of days have been very positive.”