TALKS were continuing today to avert a third strike by Eastleigh's binmen.

Union leaders were hoping the negotiations would be successful but warned that the refuse collectors remained united and determined to continue until their concerns were listened to. The major sticking point over changes in work practices is the issue of "task to finish".

Under these changes, binmen would still be able to operate under a form of work-to-finish rule but management could decide at any point whether or not time needed to be made up without pay.

While binmen continue to work to rule, Eastleigh Borough Council is directing staff away from garden waste and on to domestic waste collections.

A spokesman for the council added: "Contingency plans have been drawn up which have meant crews from garden waste have been moved to collect domestic waste."