BIN men have withdrawn their threat of strike action.

In June, members of the GMB union voted in favour of a strike amid an argument between union representatives and Brighton and Hove City Council officers.

However, following discussions and an “organisational change”, the threat has been officially withdrawn.

Mark Turner, GMB branch secretary, said: “GMB is now prepared to withdraw from the industrial action process. Industrial action is always a last resort and something we have always wanted to avoid for the good of the residents and our members. Today we believe we have achieved that.”

It comes after months of talks between the council and GMB with the arbitration service Acas.

They were joined by council leader Nancy Platts, who said: “There is still work to do and the changes we need to make will take time but managers, staff and trade unions are committed to working together to make improvements for the benefit of our residents and visitors to Brighton and Hove.

“I’m really keen to see a new long-term strategic plan for Cityclean that will demonstrate how the service will improve.

“One that all Cityclean staff are actively involved in developing with managers, right from the start.”

Council chief executive Geoff Raw said he was “committed to ensuring positive and collaborative relationships between all Cityclean staff”.