COUNCILLORS have called for heightened security at Mold County Hall.

The requests came after it emerged at the weekend that caretakers could be axed in a shake-up of security services.

Cllr Patrick Heesom said: “There’s talk of this building closing at weekend and staff being cut, but it’s a matter of fact that this building is not secure. I know that the building is very vulnerable.

“I’m concerned about the security of this building if we go through the process of closing at weekend and reducing caretakers.”

Fears were also raised over the relaxed attitude towards member of the public entering County Hall.

Cllr Clive Carver found a discarded briefcase after a recent planning meeting.

He said: “I’m concerned that it’s only a signing-in process for members of the public.

“After the planning meeting people were milling around after 6pm and someone left a briefcase behind.

“Stupidly I picked it up and took it to security, but you could have lost a councillor. I could have gone up in a bang.

“We need heightened security when members of the public are allowed in.”

Cllr Peter Macfarlane added: “I appreciate the difficulty when we encourage the public to attend meetings. We can’t have a lock down, but that’s why we need 24-hour, seven-day-a-week caretakers in place to make the building secure.”

The council’s chief executive Colin Everett said the security system was currently under review.

He said: “We are reviewing security arrangements. We are looking at improving CCTV and ask everyone to be vigilant at meetings.”