THE long-running bus strike affecting Arriva in Yorkshire has been suspended to allow members of union Unite to be balloted on a new pay offer.

The 650 bus workers involved in the dispute will return to work on Saturday, July 2.

The strike was nearing the end of its fourth week, when Arriva made an improved offer to Unite.

Following a meeting on Thursday, in which the agreement was reached, Unite will now take the offer to its members.

Unite regional officer Phil Bown said: “Arriva has come forward with an offer which our members will now be balloted on.

"While the ballot is being undertaken and as an act of goodwill Unite has suspended its strike action.”

Unite say if the offer is rejected by the members then strike action will resume.

Arriva say they would like to thank customers across the Yorkshire region, for their continued patience in recent weeks, during the extremely challenging strike period in June.

Gavin Peace, Area Operating Director for Arriva North East & Yorkshire, said: “It is fantastic news that we have reached an agreement with Unite and from this Saturday, we can start to reinstate bus services across Yorkshire.

"This has been an incredibly difficult four weeks and I apologise for the distress industrial action has caused.

"I look forward to welcoming the Arriva Yorkshire team back into our depots where together, we will focus on delivering sustainable bus services for our local communities - ensuring we connect our customers to places, people and things they need and love.

"We look forward to welcoming you back on board an Arriva bus soon.”

A pleased Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, added: “I’m relieved that Arriva and Unite have been able to reach an agreement that can be put to members.

"I’m sure that this news will also come as a great relief to the thousands of people who use and rely on Arriva services to get to and from work and education every day.

“I hope we can now see services return to normal as quickly as possible from Saturday, July 2.

“I look forward to working with all of the operators, drivers and depot staff to deliver the step-change in services we need to help West Yorkshire’s economy grow.”

Timetable and journey information, for Arriva Yorkshire services from July 2, can be found online at arrivabus.co.uk