The city is bracing itself for a week of bin chaos after eleventhhour strike negotiations collapsed yesterday.

The council’s refuse, recycling and street cleaners officially begin their week-long strike today over pay and conditions.

Union bosses blamed the “dogmatic”

council for leaving them with “no option”, adding that Brighton and Hove would soon resemble a “bomb site”.

And with bins still piled high in some areas after last month’s Cityclean walkout, tourism leaders have warned of the devastating effect the seven-day strike could have on the city.

Mark Turner, GMB union branch secretary in Hove, said: “In my 29 years I’ve never seen a workforce filled with such anger, determination and passion.

“Morale is up but equally it’s not a position these guys want to be in.

They’re not going to get paid for a week. They are city residents too who have families to feed.

“My message to the council is to sharpen the pencils, start being realistic and take notice of staff financial issues.

“People are going to be reeling at their rubbish not having been collected and any anger should be directed to the council.”