Union leaders are confident they can avert a strike by refuse collectors in West Norfolk.Bin men have voted to stage a one-day strike over pay and conditions and the rising number of attacks on them by members of the public.

Union leaders are confident they can avert a strike by refuse collectors in West Norfolk.

Bin men have voted to stage a one-day strike over pay and conditions and the rising number of attacks on them by members of the public.

They have warned contractor Cleanaway, which employs them on behalf of West Norfolk council, that they will walk out next Thursday.

But today Glenn Holdom, organiser for the GMB union, said he had agreed to further talks next week.

"I'm hopeful of obtaining a settlement in time," he said. "The challenge to the company is to get on with the things we're talking about by close of play next Wednesday."

Ninety-five per cent of the GMB's 54 members in West Norfolk voted in favour of the strike.

The union has rejected a 2.9pc pay offer from Cleanaway. Workers are also angry they have to work the Saturday after any bank holiday, without being given extra holiday entitlement.