A COUNCIL has apologised after parents in Denbigh received a letter stating their children cannot take part in their school's Christmas meal if their dinner money arrears are not paid in full.

Denbighshire County Council (DCC) sent a letter by email to parents of primary school pupils from Ysgol y Parc in Denbigh on Tuesday, November 27 saying that parents would have to "ensure a packed lunch if provided" for their children on December 6 if any money they owe to the council's School Meal Service is not paid.

It also said that paying a sum of £2.20 for the Christmas meal separately is out of bounds.

The letter, titled 'School Dinner Arrears', read: "It is Ysgol y Parc's School Christmas Dinner on Thursday, December 6 and for your child to partake in this please ensure that all dinner money arrears are paid up to date."

It continued: "I am afraid WE WILL NOT (sic) accept £2.20 on the day - or leading up to that date. If £2.20 is received this will be taken off the arrears."

It added: "If you cannot pay then please ensure a packed lunch is provided."

However, the council has since apologised and said the letter "should not have referred to the Christmas meal".

A spokesperson for DCC said: “We would like to apologise for the mis-communication. It was an error on our part.

“The purpose of the letter was to remind parents of the need to settle outstanding lunch monies, or to contact us to work out a payment plan and should not have referred to the Christmas meal.

"In the spirit of Christmas, we want to make sure that each child who wants to receive a festive lunch in school will do so. Children work hard throughout the year and the Christmas lunch in school is seen as a highlight for many.

"We are happy to clarify the position and we’re sure that all pupils will enjoy the festivities in their school."

Ysgol y Parc has been approached for comment.