Published: Wednesday, 5th March, 2008 12:00
Laptops Rot As Wardens Chopped
By Kevin Dyson
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CASH strapped council bosses have been slammed by a local politician after admitting to spending over £100,000 on hi-tech computers which have been left in a warehouse untouched for over a year.
North Ayrshire Council bought 50 Toughbook laptops - designed to operate in harsh conditions - for workers employed out in the field.
However, since they were purchased towards the end on 2006 they have sat in a warehouse in Stevenston, with only a few set to be used in the coming weeks.
SNP MSP Kenny Gibson blasted the council, claiming that buying the laptops was a waste, particularly when sheltered housing warden’s jobs were being cut to save money.
He said: “The councillors who decided to axe the wardens should reverse that decision. They should apologise to North Ayrshire Council taxpayers for wasting so much public money on laptops.
“Their primary duty is the provision of high-quality public services. A society is judged on how it treats its most vulnerable citizens.
“The revelation that this shameful decision was taken after £110,000 was squandered by Labour councillors on unnecessary technology is disgraceful.”
A spokesman for North Ayrshire Council said that fifty Toughbooks were bought at the cost of £2,200 per unit.
He said: “The books were not intended to be issued at the same time. Many of the vehicles which carry the docking stations for the mobile units were due to be replaced.
“Therefore the decision was taken to hold installation until new vehicles were available. Of the fifty units purchased, 17 are now about to be made available and the rest will be phased in as vans are replaced.”
He said that the machines would enable stock orders and stores to be made on-site and would create a more efficient operation.
“The efficiencies expected will be substantial and tenants will see an improved level of service over time,” he added.
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GRAVEROBBER WITH A GUILTY CONSCIENCE