THE children have been so scrupulous separating out wrapping paper this Christmas that the paper won't fit in the council's little blue recycling bag.

We left it all in a tidy pile for the binmen. After they had been we discovered the council doesn't collect paper if you leave too much. Beside our huge empty green wheelie bin sat a sad pile of old paperwork and Evening Presses under a council blue bag still stuffed with Christmas wrapping.

The kids asked me if paper recycling is as important as I've said. So I replied the council really does want paper to recycle, despite the evidence.

So sad when Christmas means shattering childhood illusions.

Mark Hill,

Green Party Councillor for Fishergate Ward,

Reginald Grove, York.

Updated: 10:12 Tuesday, January 03, 2006