Planned strike action affecting waste and recycling services in East Dunbartonshire has been called off.

GMB Scotland confirmed it would not be going ahead with four days of planned action following a 'climb down' by the council.

Strike action was due to start at midnight over cuts to staff terms and conditions.

Council officials have now agreed to reverse their decision to cut overtime allowances, annual leave entitlement and changes to the notional working day, restoring hundreds of pounds in real terms earnings to staff.

GMB Scotland Organiser Hazel Nolan said: “Make no mistake; GMB members have led from the front to defend their interests while councillors who bulldozed through these cuts tried to duck their responsibilities.

"We still have some road to travel to restore our members’ full redundancy entitlements but if the council do the right thing in these negotiations then the threat of any future industrial action will be lifted.

"The ball is very much in their court.

"This evening’s climb-down should send out a clear message that the rights of our members must be respected and that after ten years of austerity, ‘enough is enough’ of council cuts.”

Joint Council Leader Andrew Polson said, "Significant progress has been made and I'm delighted that the trades unions have withdrawn strike action over the next few days.

"The Joint Administration is committed to working together with the trades union in good faith to reach agreement which is mutually acceptable and I'm hopeful that this can be achieved next week."

Joint Council Leader Vaughan Moody added, "We've stated previously that the current financial climate is extremely challenging and difficult decisions have had to be taken but it's positive that the current negotiation process is identifying potential alternative solutions and hopefully discussions next week will conclude with a negotiated settlement."

Bin collections will now continue as planned and residents are asked to present their bins on their scheduled day as normal.