FIRST and trade union representatives were locked in talks last night to try to avoid future bus strikes in the city.

First officials handed an open letter to Unite members yesterday calling for any plans for future strikes to be abandoned.

Last month's strike saw 380 Unite members walk out causing the cancellation of scores of services across the Bradford district, including more than 40 which take pupils to and from schools.

Talks between the two parties had broken down without agreement earlier this month following a two-day walk-out by hundreds of drivers in April.

The union insists the primary reason for the industrial action is the transfer of part of the 576 bus service from Bradford to Halifax which it says has cost eight jobs. First denies the claim.

The firm added they are also recruiting drivers and received more than 200 applications for jobs last month.

In the open letter, Paul Matthews, managing director of First in West Yorkshire, said: "The dispute between First and Unite the union has no logic nor reason.

"I am therefore calling on the trade union to call off this needless action.

"I can assure our staff and customers that First is absolutely committed to Bradford."

Mohammad Taj, branch secretary for Unite in Bradford, who has worked as a bus driver at the First depot in Bowling Back Lane for 41 years, said: "The talks seem to be moving in the right direction.

"We want to try to avoid any further action if we can.

"We don't want to jeopardise anything at the moment. The talks are being held at a senior level at the moment.

"There is a determination by both parties to try to resolve the situation. We are making progress."

Meanwhile, First is to bring £2 million worth of low emissions buses to Bradford, as bosses urged unions to call off any future strike action in the city.

A fleet of 12 new StreetLite buses will be on Bradford's streets in July on the 620 Haworth Road-Bierley circular route.

The buses, manufactured by Wrights Group in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, are all Department for Transport 'low carbon certified', making them the most fuel efficient buses on the market.

They will also be fitted with Euro 6 engines, which First say is a commitment to improving air quality across the Bradford district.

The new Bradford buses form part of First's drive for 385 new vehicles worth £77.7m across the country over the current financial year.

First also claimed the new vehicles support Bradford Council's aim to tackle air pollution through a reduction in emissions and cutting congestion by attracting people out of their cars.

Speaking on the new fleet of buses, Mr Matthews added: "Our investment of more than £2m in 12 new vehicles is great news for our customers and underlines our continuing determination to provide better services in our area and encourage more people to travel by bus.

"These vehicles will be among the best and most eco-friendly in the region."