A LABOUR MP has warned against future public sector cuts following the end of Warrington's 10-week bin strike.

Charlotte Nichols, MP for Warrington North, has welcomed the end of the strikes, but has urged the Government to 'take action' in future.

The Labour MP said: "The Government must take action to increase the revenue support grant paid to councils such as Warrington Borough Council, which has seen a drop of more than £68million in funding per year since 2010."

Warrington Guardian: Bins were overflowing across the town amid the strikesBins were overflowing across the town amid the strikes (Image: Newsquest)

Warrington experienced almost 10 weeks of bin strikes, running from the beginning of October until last week.

The council attempted to block further strike action by appealing to the High Court for an injunction; however, this was slapped down by the Royal Courts of Justice, in London - it is believed this legal action cost the council £50,000.

Industrial action began as part of a national pay dispute on behalf of members of the trade union Unite, among others - though a national pay deal was agreed, Warrington's branch of Unite voted to continue striking.

Strike action was eventually called off on Thursday, December 7, following an agreement between Unite and Warrington Borough Council.

Speaking to the Warrington Guardian, Ms Nichols said: "I welcome the resolution of the Unite refuse worker strike with Warrington Borough Council.

"I have called on both Unite and the council to get around the table since the beginning of the industrial action and I am glad the dispute has now been resolved following constructive discussions.

"I am grateful for all of those who took part in the negotiations to bring the strike action to an end.

"Ensuring local government is properly funded is pivotal in maintaining high-quality local services, whilst also ensuring public sector employees are paid fairly for their labour."

Warrington Guardian: Ms Nichols says she welcomes the end of the strikesMs Nichols says she welcomes the end of the strikes (Image: Newsquest)

Some weeks ago, Ms Nichols confirmed to the Warrington Guardian that she had not attended the picket lines during strike action.

The Labour MP added: "The Government must take action to increase the revenue support grant paid to councils such as Warrington Borough Council, which has seen a drop of more than £68 million in funding per year since 2010.

"Now that a positive settlement has been reached, like everyone else I look forward to my bins being collected, and hope that the waste service returns to normal as soon as possible."