A potential strike by waste collection crews in Somerset, organised by the Unite union, has been postponed for two weeks pending a union ballot.

Some progress has been made in talks between Unite and Suez UK, the contractor responsible for the Council's waste collections. The union has agreed to present its members with an improved pay offer, leading to the suspension of the impending strike that was originally scheduled to commence today.

In light of this development, waste collection services across Somerset are expected to operate as usual this week.

Residents are encouraged to present their refuse, recycling, and garden waste in the standard manner.

The online garden waste form has been reactivated to accept new subscriptions, renewals, requests for replacement garden waste bins, and container delivery requests. Additionally, bulky waste collections will be reintroduced in the coming days.

For the most recent updates and advice, residents are advised to refer to www.somerset.gov.uk/strike.

Commenting on the recent progress, Mickey Green, Somerset Council's Executive Director for Climate and Place, said: "We're very glad that there has been some progress and that this week's strike action has been suspended. Any disruption to waste collections would have a major impact on residents, but we also appreciate that cost of living pressures are affecting everyone, including waste collection crews. We very much hope an agreement can be reached. It is in everyone's interests for this to be resolved without industrial action. We now await the outcome of the ballot and any subsequent talks. We thank everyone for their patience."

Councillor Dixie Darch, Associate Lead Member for Climate Change and Active Travel, and a member of the Somerset Liberal Democrats, added: "We are glad to hear that Unite has suspended their strike action after today's talks with Suez. We recognise that crews work incredibly hard and provide an invaluable service for residents across Somerset. We would urge Unite members to accept the deal."