CONCESSIONS have been made to angry refuse workers in a last-ditch effort to avoid a strike.

The compromise has been suggested by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, which has informed trade unions of proposed changes to the new contracts it had planned to implement.

It follows an announcement this week that the refuse workers, who object to the terms of the contracts, are planning a one-day strike for Monday.

Now councillors have called a meeting with the two unions representing them, Unison and the TGWU, to discuss the concessions.

The Joint Secretaries of the Provincial Council, a recognised negotiating agency, will be brought in as a mediator.

Councillor David Walsh, the council leader, told a special meeting of the council's policy and resources meeting yesterday : "I believe we are a lot nearer a resolution than most people believe."

The latest discussion follows a breakdown in communication between the council and the unions, who have been unable to reach an agreement, despite the intervention of the conciliation service Acas.

The unions' main bones of contention are proposals to extend collection times to 9pm, and plans for street sweeping in town centres.

Last month, they began a petition against the changes, and have collected an estimated 4,000 signatures.

While the council remains hopeful of an end to the dispute, it has begun drawing up contingency plans to cope with industrial action.

Bins normally emptied on Monday will be emptied on Tuesday, and normal collection days for the rest of the week will also be delayed.