UNION leaders have asked to meet deputy council leader Keith Bland over the binmen's contract dispute.

They say they have always been prepared to discuss changes to the service, and want to reach an amicable solution'.

They wrote to the council in June saying we are not opposed to the introduction of improved training or changed methods of work, providing this is undertaken through the proper consultation and negotiation routes before it is introduced'.

They are angry that the borough council has asked employees directly if they approve of a new contract and around one-third have signed up. All the bin men face signing the new contracts from November.

The joint unions are considering legal and industrial action because they believe the council has not negotiated according to national agreements.

A joint statement said: "We will meet management at any time in order to avoid further escalation of this dispute."