DUST coming from the demolition of the council’s old Civic Office is causing problems according to people working nearby.

The complaints surround staff coughing and being unable to open their windows while the 1970s-built structure is torn down.

Those who work in the area say they have raised the issue but worry their health may be at risk if it continues.

One person, who wished to remain nameless, said: “This is causing us major health concerns and every day there are huge clouds of dust around the police station and magistrate’s court.

“The water machines being used to attempt to avoid dust are useless and do not help at all.”

They added: “The amount of dust generated is enormous and I cannot see us being able to open the windows all summer.

“Just walking to the station and breathing in this dust is making me cough and it is covering every surface.”

A spokesman for Reading Borough Council said: “Every effort has been made - both at the planning stages and during the demolition itself - to contain it within the site boundary as far as reasonably practical.

“Four dust suppression units are in constant operation across the levels and emit a fine mist to bring dust to the ground and prevent much of it escaping.

“There are three dust monitoring stations located at the Magistrates Court, the police station and the Hexagon.

“No alerts have been triggered to date that dust levels are exceeding acceptable limits.”