A UNION member due to appear in court for blocking bin lorries has been arrested again.

Gary Palmer, GMB regional organiser, was arrested at the end of May for obstructing the highway outside the Amberstone Road depot in Hailsham as part of the Wealden bin strike.

Palmer, along with two other GMB members, Declan MacIntyre and Carl Turner, pleaded not guilty to the charges and will appear in Brighton Magistrates Court in Edward Street on November 16.

Today Palmer was arrested outside the Amey workers’ Surrey Heath depot in Surrey.

The Argus: Gary Palmer talking with police officers outside the depot. Video from @GMBSouthernGary Palmer talking with police officers outside the depot. Video from @GMBSouthern

Refuse workers began their strike over pay from August 1 and will continue to strike until August 19.

A video shows Palmer speaking with police officers while standing outside the entrance to the depot.

Palmer is then handcuffed and escorted to an unmarked police car.

The Argus: Palmer being escorted into the car. Video from @GMBSouthernPalmer being escorted into the car. Video from @GMBSouthern

Palmer, MacIntyre and Turner previously claimed their actions on the picket line in Hailsham were lawful and “freedom of expression”, saying they have a “freedom of protest”.

They are on unconditional bail until the trial date.

A Surrey Police spokeswoman said: "A 62-year-old man was arrested this morning after police were called to deal with ongoing industrial action at the Amey Waste Collection Depot in Surrey Heath.

The Argus: From left, Gary Palmer, Carl Turner and Declan MacIntyre with protesters behind them outside Hastings Magistrates' CourtFrom left, Gary Palmer, Carl Turner and Declan MacIntyre with protesters behind them outside Hastings Magistrates' Court

"The man was arrested on suspicion of wilful obstruction of the highway. Once he had been removed from the road and provided his details, he was de-arrested. Enquiries remain ongoing.

"We are working with Amey and our borough council partners to manage the ongoing industrial action following a dispute over pay, which is expected to last for three weeks."