Shops should try a closed-door policy to save energy | Letters

Maggie Johnston wonders why doors are kept open while heaters blast away. Rev Dr John Caperon has faith in his trusty draught excluder

So the government is to encourage us to draughtproof our windows and doors (‘It all adds up’: UK campaign to cut energy use launches this weekend, 13 December). Meanwhile, many high street shops have their doors wide open while heaters are blasting away. If I had my central heating on and kept my front door open all day, I would rightly be judged to be mad. Why are shop doors still open when we are in the midst of an energy crisis?

Some years ago, a closed-doors policy was tried out in Cambridge. It resulted in lower heating bills for shops and a decrease in shoplifting. Customers were not put off and profits were not affected. Closed doors means a more comfortable experience for customers and staff, plus it has the added benefit of keeping out harmful particulates from traffic fumes. The group Close the Door has information on all the benefits. Time for shops to act.
Maggie Johnston
St Albans, Hertfordshire