Fife Housing has teamed up with Videx, the door entry manufacturer and supplier and Secured by Design member company, to equip 84 social housing flats in and around the Fife area. The 14 separate residential blocks, each comprising six apartments, have been fitted with bespoke access control systems.
Speaking at the Security TWENTY 19 Conference and Exhibition in Dublin (pictured), Billy Paton, Videx’s Scotland and Ireland Sales Manager, said that their VR120 vandal resistant entry system had access panels fitted to the flats with Videx’s stand-alone, offline proximity system, MiAccess.
This provides a multiple entrance system without the need to cable between devices; and enables remote programming and replacement of entry key fobs without an engineer having to visit the development.
Billy said: “The requirement was clear – Fife Housing needed a robust access control solution that was simple to use and navigate yet highly secure. The panels we made are to a bespoke size with many features to suit the specific needs of those who live there.”
Features include high visibility yellow ring bezel buttons; remote programming or replacement of fobs; housing staff access to all blocks; security via remote relay for locks; and bespoke sized fully-engraved panels including addresses.
Fife Housing reported resident feedback on how easy the entry is to use while being a modern design. A spokesman for Fife Housing said: “Security yet ease of access and a user friendly system that could be specifically made to meet the entry needs of all different types of residents, including those with disabilities, was imperative and the Videx system has provided exactly that. What’s more, the team have been really supportive and hands-on throughout the entire installation, working closely and positively with our installer and providing technical and practical advice before, during and after installation.
“I also know that if I had any issues with the systems, or need to modify it according to entry needs, this wouldn’t be a problem and Videx would be on hand to help us do this. It’s been a pleasure to work with Videx – the system is doing a sterling job.”
National Secured by Design Manager, Kenny McHugh, said: “The Videx installation at these flats is an excellent example of how Secured by Design and our member companies are working together to make a real difference to help people live safely.”
Stuart Ward, Police Scotland’s National Designing Out Crime Manager, said: “Including SBD accredited products in new or existing developments will go a long way to ensuring that the risks associated with criminal activity will be significantly reduced. This in turn ensures that police resources in the Fife division are available for other tasks and are not being further tied up in the investigation of preventable criminal activity such as housebreaking/burglary.”
In Scotland, SBD adds, police DOCOs (Designing Out Crime Officers) are available to assist housing associations, developers and designers to consider the risk of criminal activity and can provide security options.
