Refuse collectors in the Arun district are ready to walk out on Friday after they voted to go on strike by a 96 per cent majority.

The walk-out will affect thousands of households in the Bognor, Littlehampton and Arundel areas.

Around 90 refuse collectors and street cleaners will take part in the action. They are demanding to be paid £6 an hour - a £1 increase.

A spokesman for the GMB union said: "We have been in negotiations for ten months and now the workers have lost patience.

"People are depending on social security handouts to keep a roof over their heads because they are not being paid enough.

"We want to talk to the Onyx and Arun District Council about improving pay and conditions. It is now up to them to restart talks."

Arun awarded the 15-year bins contract to Onyx six years ago.

A spokesman for the company said: "Onyx can confirm that it is aware of strike ballot action by the GMB Union regarding its Arun refuse collection and street cleaning contract.

"Onyx acknowledges that a pay review is necessary for its staff on this particular contract. However, Onyx is finding it difficult to negotiate a settlement that would satisfy its workforce due to the financial losses on the contract. An offer of 4.5 per cent has been tabled by Onyx.

"Negotiations are still ongoing with the GMB union."

The refuse collectors and their families will lobby Arun District Council at a full meeting of the council next Wednesday.