BUS driver strikes remain suspended while discussions continue to try to find a solution to the row.

Union members held a ballot and rejected the latest pay offer from First last week – but Unite regional officer Bob Lanning said talks are ongoing.

He added: “Unite is holding further talks with the management of First Hampshire & Dorset on Friday (October 21) after the bus drivers overwhelmingly rejected the latest pay offer. However, industrial action by our members has been suspended in light of these talks and they are working normally.

“We hope that the company will come forward with an improved offer on pay, given the strength of the vote against what is currently on the table. Unite won’t be commenting further until Friday’s talks have concluded.”

In September Mr Lanning told the Echo that the strikes could continue until Christmas after bus drivers voted to pull out of the arbitration process.

A spokesman for First declined to comment further, although Marc Reddy, First managing director for Dorset, has previously said he is ‘committed’ to bringing the battle to an end.

The strikes have been going on since June and centre on pay and conditions for drivers in Weymouth and Bridport.