THE offices of West Devon Borough Council will be closed from December 22 to January 1 inclusive, after a recommendation from management was accepted by members recently.

Local government employees are granted two extra statutory days holiday each year, which are traditionally taken either side of the Christmas break.

Because Christmas falls midweek this year, the management board felt to open the offices for just Friday December 28 was 'not economically prudent' in terms of heating and lighting.

After consultation with staff it has been agreed that employees will take this day off as a flexi-day or annual leave.

The decision is in line with Devon County Council opening hours, which will close over Christmas, re-opening on January 2.

Catherine Milton, personnel officer, said the move will save the borough money through not using heating and lighting for the Christmas period — there is no additional cost from a staffing perspective, as the day off will be part of normal leave arrangements.

The usual stand-by and emergency council services will remain in place over Christmas as usual.