Garbage men not allowed to wear Santa hats

    The refuse collectors in Kingston upon Hull have worn the traditional red hats for years.

    Now city council scrooges say “it does not create a professional impression of the council”.

    But one angry binman told The Sun: “It doesn’t look like anyone can escape the PC brigade this year.

    “Our Santa hats have always brought a bit of festive cheer to local households. We loved seeing the faces of excited kids watching us from the window and laughing at our hats.

    “It’s been a Christmas tradition for years — but not any more.”

    A spokesman for the East Yorkshire city said: “Employees can wear Christmas hats in their own time. Wearing them during work time does not create a professional impression.

    “Further, there can be health and safety implications should hats get in the way of dangerous machinery operation.”