Bin workers could be set to strike in a Kent town amid a dispute over pay.

The GMB union has warned that it is set to ballot members in Ashford over a strike – with warnings that the situation could last for weeks.

The union, which represents refuse and recycling workers across the country, claims that waste company Biffa is refusing to enter negotiations over a pay rise "to bring workers in line with colleagues in neighbouring boroughs".

GMB is asking for £15 per hour for loaders and £20 per hour for HGV drivers, which it describes as the "minimum standard" that any such worker should receive in 2023.

Bosses at the union have warned the borough could face a similar situation as was seen in Wealden, East Sussex, where disputes over pay devolved into a full-scale strike that lasted for more than six weeks.

Frank Macklin, GMB regional organiser, said that the union was being left with "little other choice than to take the action of all-out strike".

"Not unlike our dispute with Biffa last year in Wealden, the same profit-driven employer is refusing to negotiate with its own staff’s chosen union," he added.

"In Wealden it took weeks of acrimonious action and disruption to services before common sense prevailed, but Biffa seem hell bent on making the residents in Ashford go through the same thing.

“There is still time to talk, but GMB need meaningful participation from Biffa if action is to be avoided.”

The industrial action in Wealden eventually ended after six weeks and two days, after Biffa agreed to a 24% average pay rise for its staff.

Ballots for striking in Ashford will open in mid-January, with any strike action arising to take place from February, potentially leading into March and April.

Another GMB regional organiser Gary Palmer added that the dispute appeared to be getting "messy, once again".

"If there's going to be a fight, GMB will be there..."

"We’ve presented the company with our members’ demands for a minimum standard of pay and they have said we’re not recognised so the company won’t talk to us.

“The sense of deja vu from our dispute with Biffa and Wealden Council suggests disruption to kerbside collections seems unavoidable, but that’s down to the employer and the council.

“Let’s be clear: if there’s going to be a fight, GMB will be there and it’s our aim to get members the pay they deserve.

“It needn’t be this way and disruption can be avoided if Biffa decide to be sensible and just negotiate a settlement.”

A Biffa spokesman said: "We have already concluded 2022 pay negotiations at Ashford and an above-inflation pay increase has been implemented.

"We will work closely with Ashford Council to avoid any potential industrial action."