To those of us who are feeing very sneaky and furtive this Valentine's evening, below is a glimpse into the slightly pompous world of local government in Walthamstow. An email has been sent out today about some highly secretive information, carefully warning its recipients:

"CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information contained in this e-mail is intended only for the individual, persons or entity to whom it is addressed. It may contain privileged and confidential information and, if you are not the intended recipient, you must not read, copy or distribute it, nor take any action in reliance upon it. If you have received this e-mail in error, please inform the sender as soon as possible and delete the e-mail from your computer."

The subject of the email: the effect of a fire at a local bakery on the collection of items of plastic, metal and newspaper for recycling from the doorsteps of the good people of Walthamstow. Visions of binmen in balaclavas, sunglasses and trenchcoats come to mind:

"To update you following events today. The CA site and bulking bays at South Access have been closed by the police due to a fire in the nearby bakery.There are 14 recycling crews who have not been able to tip tonight. They will be able to tip first thing in the morning at Edmonton, if the site is still closed. There will be some disruption with tomorrow's collections.

Arrangements are in place to complete Saturday if required. Advance warning signs are being erected tonight on the approach to the CA Site warning that it is closed. Access to Low Hall is not affected nor is the bus service."

I shall not embarrass the writer making his name public.