A council boss and a union leader will sign an agreement aimed at keeping the streets clean.

The signing of the partnership agreement between Brighton and Hove City Council chief executive David Panter and GMB organiser Gary Smith will take place at Hollingdean depot tomorrow.

Mr Panter said: "Talking and sharing ideas with the workforce will be part and parcel of any changes made to improve operations."

Mr Smith said: "The input of the workforce is crucial to developing a quality service."

Council leader Ken Bodfish will be there to witness the signing. He said: "I am thrilled to see this day.

"After more than a year of uncertainty for both residents and the workforce, the foundations have been laid to improve refuse collection for residents."

The council took over refuse collection and street cleaning last month from private firm Sita after there had been many complaints about its service. Since then, complaints have dropped sharply.

Now it will ensure all waste collection and street cleaning staff will be able to apply to join the local government pension scheme by January next year.

Staff will also receive full training and help so that they can improve the service.

Both the council and the workforce will look at the way in which the service is run including a review of the rounds.

Next year a best value review of the service will be conducted involving the trade union and the workforce.