Key route in Cumbernauld Centre closed on safety grounds.

The stairway which links the area from the northbound bus stop to the second level of Cumbernauld Centre has been largely out of operation, leaving pedestrians dependent on two small lifts, in this oldest part of the centre.

It emerges, however, that there are two problems with the staircase and that centre managment want these cleared up before the route can be fully opened.

Manager Shona McIntosh said: “The stairs are not in need of a repair but during the wet and mild conditions that we are currently having they suffer from extreme condensation and can become slippery. Although the staff are constantly drying them up and there are warning signs displayed throughout, in some instances we feel it is necessary to close them for safety.

“They have not been closed constantly since before Christmas, just on various days throughout and not always all day.

“The only other repairs that are outstanding are broken windows from over the festive period and now that all our contractors are back operating today they will be dealt with as soon as possible,” she added.