The Brighton bin men have bitten back: they won't be going veggie just yet.

Plans by the ruling Green Party to implement a 'meat-free Monday' for council workers were refused by refuse collection staff, who clearly felt they couldn't get through the day without a pie or a burger.

"We are not looking to force this on staff, which is why we talked to union representatives before it was introduced," said councillor Jason Kitcat, whose name suggests he might be in need of a break from the heavy-duty negotiations.