STRIKE action by drivers at Keighley Bus Company that would have hit services on Monday January 7 has been suspended pending "meaningful negotiations" after the company called a meeting for that date.

The news was announced this afternoon (Jan 4) by the trade union Unite.

The dispute about pay, terms and conditions would have seen Unite members taking another day of strike action at the beginning of next week.

But Phil Bown, Unite regional officer, said: “We are hopeful that discussions with the company on Monday will bring this dispute to an end.

“Strike action on Monday would have severely disrupted travel on the first day of the new school term. However, our members have agreed to suspend the action to allow for the talks to take place.

“Should the talks fail to reach a successful conclusion, further strike action on January 15 2019 is due to take place.”

A spokesman from The Keighley Bus Company said: "On behalf of our customers, we are pleased that the trade union have suspended their industrial action planned for January 7.

"We hope that the suspension of action is a turning point in the negotiations and that we will progress towards a swift resolution that no longer inconveniences our colleagues and our customers."