For bin and country

Charles waves to protesters.. who hope King will help to end dispute

- PATRICK HILL

KING Charles yesterday waved to bin strike protesters and union officers from his car during an official visit, and they later thanked him for acknowledging their struggle.

The King, 76, greeted the small group who had unfurled flags and banners calling for Birmingham City Council to ditch its proposed pay cuts and end the six-month dispute.

Members of the Unite union were behind a police cordon outside Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, which was opened by the King.

Unite senior organiser Shane Edwards, 47, said: "He gave us a little wave. Our problem is not with him, it's with the local council. But hopefully now that he has seen us, the King will raise the issue with Keir Starmer."