GRITTING operations in Carmarthenshire will take place as normal despite planned industrial action next week, say council officials.

Two trade unions have informed Carmarthenshire County Council that their members intend to withdraw from overtime in a dispute over pay and conditions on December 18, 19, and 20.

The council has implemented contingency measures to ensure that all gritting routes will be treated as normal should weather conditions create a risk of ice, frost or snow.

Trade union members taking industrial action have confirmed that while they will not undertake winter maintenance duties outside of their normal working hours, they will carry out other overtime operations to deal with highways issues, including fallen trees or floods, if and when required.

Carmarthenshire's director of environment, Ruth Mullen, said: “We are disappointed that we remain in dispute, despite having made a further increased offer that is fair and proportionate with other Welsh local authorities.

“Our conversations with the trade unions continue, with conciliation being put in place to ensure a satisfactory conclusion as quickly as possible.”

She added: “Despite the industrial action, we have put contingency measures in place to ensure gritting operations will take place as normal to ensure the safety of road users."