The patter of tiny green feet
12 March 2008
Mysterious visitors have been roaming the corridors of Manchester Town Hall at night.
Staff working in offices at the centre arrived at their desks yesterday morning to find unusual gifts waiting for them on their computer keyboards.
Those who had switched their terminals off before going home the previous night found a postcard bearing a smiley face, while those who had left them on stand-by were confronted with a grumpy face.
One officer worker, who asked not be named after finding the grumpy face calling card, said: "When I first came in and sat at my desk, I didn't realise what it was, but after it dawned on me, I'm a bit ashamed. I'm the only one in my office who didn't get a happy face, so I won't be doing that again."
The mysterious calling cards were left as part of part of Manchester City Council's commitment to reducing its energy use.
The event marks the start of the City Council's Big Turn Off, a year-long initiative being launched as part of the ongoing 100 Days campaign to create a cleaner, greener city.
Similar events will be repeated at the Town Hall every month for the next year, and while other council offices, depots and even some schools across the city will be included.
Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for Environment, said: "Having lots of computers left on overnight wastes a lot of energy. Hopefully those people who found a grumpy face on their desk this morning will think twice before doing so again.
"We want to lead by example, and we believe this will send out a message to other big organisations about the importance of cutting back on energy consumption."
Manchester City Council launched Challenge Manchester - 100 Days to a cleaner, greener city 2008 on February 14 at Manchester Town Hall.
The campaign will run until 24 May 2008, featuring 100 days of intense activity all over Manchester with the first 50 days focussing on green issues - primarily waste minimisation, recycling and climate change - and the next 50 days focussing on community clean-ups, local environmental improvements and planting schemes.
The council will also be asking residents and businesses about what they want the council to do to help them minimise waste and recycle more.
Challenge Manchester began in 2004 with "Challenge Manchester: 100 Days to a Clean City", and in its fifth successful year the campaign returns to its core aim to "clean up" the city.
More information about Challenge Manchester and how you can participate appears on our website http://www.challengemanchester.co.uk/. You can also e-mail campaigns.team@notes.manchester.gov.uk or telephone 0161 954 9000.
Media contact:
Conrad Astley, tel: 0161 234 4027
