GOVERNMENT cabinet member Michael Gove has waded into Warrington’s bin strike dispute.

The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities responded to a question from Warrington South MP Andy Carter in the House of Commons yesterday, Monday.

It comes as the crippling industrial action has been ongoing for two months, with rubbish pilling up on streets across the town.

The fourth walk-out was planned to end yesterday, however refuse workers who are members of the Unite union may strike until Christmas Eve.

Speaking in Parliament, Mr Carter said: “It is now 10 weeks since the bins were emptied in Warrington.

“A national pay dispute has spilled over into a local disagreement.

“Does the minister agree that it is now urgent that Labour-run Warrington Borough Council gets round the table with the unions and finds an urgent agreement, before the situation turns into a health emergency?

In response, Mr Gove said: “Absolutely. Again and again, we find that Labour-run local authorities, despite their much-vaunted relationship with trade unions, are incapable of resolving these disputes.

“Whether in Birmingham or Warrington, Labour must do better, otherwise working people suffer.”

READ MORE > The latest on the strikes in Warrington

In a statement afterwards, Mr Carter added: "Bin strikes - does Labour have any solutions?

"Ten weeks on from the start of the bin strike, and we have still heard nothing from the leader of the council - or his replacement - about what they are doing to resolve it.

"The council announced two temporary tips would be open daily from 10am to 4pm in Latchford and Orford.

"What about people who work and cannot drop their rubbish during work time, or people who cannot drive?

"What about areas like Penketh, Chapelford or Lymm where there is no tip nearby?

"Given the court refused a temporary injunction, this is a legal dispute, so there is an urgent need to bring the  Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service in to negotiate a settlement, before the rubbish building up on street corners turns into a health emergency.

"I raised the matter in Parliament, ministers are aware of the dispute, and I am keeping them updated, but this is a matter for local councillors to resolve.

"Labour run the council, and sadly so far there is no evidence that Labour councillors are making any effort to solve the problem."