'Significant disruption' expected from bin strike

No household waste is expected to be collected during the strike dates

One of the councils set to be affected by a bin strike later this month has warned it expects "significant disruption" to its services.

The local authority in Dumfries and Galloway is one of a number facing industrial action between 14 and 21 August.

A statement said that unless the action was called off no household waste would be collected between those dates.

It warned that commercial waste collection would also be affected.

The strike action in Dumfries and Galloway involves Unite and Unison staff.

Local government body Cosla has described its offer of a 3.2% rise for a one-year period between 1 April this year and 31 March 2025 - as "strong, fair and credible".

However, Unison said talks had "not moved one iota" from a previous offer tabled.

A statement from Dumfries and Galloway Council said discussions were ongoing to try to agree a pay deal and resolve the dispute.

"Unless the industrial action is called off, no household - general waste, recycling and food - bins or sacks will be collected on the strike dates," it said.

"Commercial waste collection will be impacted, too.

"The bulky uplift service will not be operational during this time.

"Some of our 12 Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) across the region will also be affected."

It has set up a dedicated web page for the issue.

"We understand the impact and inconvenience this will cause and thank customers for their patience," the council added.

"Please check our webpage and our social media accounts for updates.

"As soon as we have further information, we will share it."

Dumfries and Galloway Council came in for criticism last year over the lack of bin collection over the Easter weekend.

It prompted hundreds of adverse comments on a local authority Facebook post highlighting the issue.

The council pledged to improve communications about the "extremely important service" in order to avoid any repeat of the problems.