On collection day I put out two black bags with a small wooden box on top.

I was later surprised to find that my black bags were the only ones in the road that had not been collected.

I phoned Southend Council for an explanation and was told that it could be because of the box and that it should be put into a black bag because of health and safety.

Apparently, there are still a few people who do not accept that we are moving towards a police state.

Chas Cheesman
The Grove
Southend