Windows left open overnight at new council offices

May 15 2008 By Shirley Bartynek

STAFF look set to be carpeted after leaving open the windows of a showpiece council complex.

North Lanarkshire Council’s Dalziel Building in Scott Street, Motherwell, cost £10m and opened in March. Some council staff have offices there and other local businesses.

However, last Thursday a resident noticed that people working there had gone and left lights on and a number of windows open.

Yesterday Eric Hislop, property services division group manager, North Lanarkshire Council, said: “Staff will be reminded of their responsibilities to close all windows at the end of every business day.”

A resident, who spotted the lights and windows problem, and did not wished to be named, said: “I’m all for recycling and trying to save the environment and it is admirable that our local government have decided to take the lead with new environmental initiatives.

“However, I noted with interest as I was passing by the lovely offices just built in Motherwell on Thursday, May 8 at 9.45pm that a number of lights had been left on in the building and some of the windows had been left open even though not a soul could be seen.

“Maybe the council should take a leaf out of their own book and ensure that their own offices conform to their own environmental policies.”

Bosses at North Lanarkshire Council this week reassured council tax payers that the lights should not stay on overnight as each office has motion sensors, meaning that the lights automatically turn off if the office is empty.

Mr Hislop added: “There is a full-time security presence and as the guard carries out patrols this will result in some lights automatically turning on.”

Another passer-by added: “I find it irresponsible that windows are left open as this could encourage people to break into the building.”