WREXHAM council workers agreed today to end their seven-week strike after accepting an improved pay offer.

Unite members backed a nine-point pay deal which includes a new pay scale for the lowest-paid refuse workers alongside protection for bank holiday working.

The council has also committed to reviewing a number of other pay-related issues in advance of next year’s budget, said a union spokesman.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This deal for Wrexham workers was only achieved by our members remaining united throughout the strike action.

“If they had not taken a stand, then nothing in this deal would have been achieved.

“This is yet another example of Unite delivering for its members in the workplace.”

Regional organiser Simon Ellis said: “This deal is complex and will benefit workers in different departments in different ways.

“Our members understand this and their support for each other throughout this dispute has been inspirational. 

“By remaining united they have forced Wrexham council to reconsider its position and table this improved offer.”

Council leader Mark Pritchard said: “During the time of the strike, it has been difficult for everyone, including the staff who have continued to work, but I’m pleased we’ve been able to find a solution that will see staff return to work.

“We now want to move forward together and get services back to normal as soon as possible for the people of Wrexham.

“We know people will want bin collections to get back to normal quickly, so we’re going to spend next week trying to clear everyone’s black bins and recycling, to allow us to return to normal collections the following week.”