A COUNCIL environment chief today apologised to York war veterans for asking the Royal British Legion if it had cash to pay for security measures at the Festival of Remembrance.

Ted Griffiths, president of the York branch of the Royal British Legion and festival chairman, criticised City of York Council after he was approached about the cost of moving recycling banks that posed a potential danger to the event at the Barbican Centre.

But in a letter to the Evening Press, Coun Andrew Waller, executive member for environmental services, gives an "unreserved apology", adding that as executive member he must take ultimate responsibility.

He says he will ensure a full review so the situation does not occur again.

Mr Griffiths said: "I'm delighted that the council has taken the trouble to apologise.

"It should never have occurred, because we've held this event for the past 13 years."

Updated: 10:34 Friday, November 07, 2003