diff --git a/script/local.py b/script/local.py
index 6c50086a..3630950f 100644
--- a/script/local.py
+++ b/script/local.py
@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@ def append_diag_datasets(parent = None):
 
 SAVE_DIAGS = True
 def after_readout(rec):
-    if SAVE_DIAGS:
+    if SAVE_DIAGS and get_context().persist:
         if rec.index == 0:
             create_diag_datasets()
         append_diag_datasets()