Union members will cast a secret ballot next week which could see an end to a string of bin strikes.

GMB bin men met yesterday to consider fresh proposals in the hope of halting a dispute with employer Brighton and Hove City Council.

On Wednesday union representative Mark Turner said union chiefs and council officers were “centimetres apart” on making a decision.

On Thursday they were given a revised offer by the council and members met to discuss it yesterday.

A secret ballot will take place on Monday through to Wednesday next week to decide if members want to accept the proposal.

If the offer is not satisfactory, Mr Turner said another bout of strike could be on the cards.

He said: “The council have agreed to review the job descriptions of the members, but there are other elements of the proposal which we are not quite seeing eye-to-eye on still.

“This is a very serious issue for our members and the public.

“This is the best we can achieve so far through the negotiations and therefore all 38 drivers will take part in the vote next week and we will inform the council of the outcome.”

Richard Bradley, head of City Clean and parks, said: “We have outlined a clear and reasonable timetable which meets equal pay legalisation and is in line with the council’s budget cycle.

“We have said we will implement as soon as possible after budget council.

“I apologise to resident for the ongoing disruption.

“I share their frustration and would like to assure them we are doing all to resolve the dispute and develop a service fit for the city’s needs.”

Last week full-time carer Stuart Taylor claimed bins in Down Terrace were not collected for a month.

Despite “five or six calls” to the council, and “promises of collections”, the 44-year-old said he continued to have mounds of waste piling up outside his door – until he contacted The Argus.

They were finally collected on Wednesday.

Mr Taylor said: “I sympathise with the bin men – they do a great job and should be recognised.”