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| Videx worked with Goldshield Securus to provide door entry systems offering flexible access control |
Videx has expanded its presence in the housing market by winning a three year contract with North Tyneside Council.
Improvements to sheltered housing schemes
North Tyneside Council provides a range of accommodation across the region to meet the differing needs of the local community. The Council wanted to refurbish 16 sheltered housing schemes with better suited door entry systems and provide new systems to a further 10 new builds.
These schemes ranged in size from a new build development comprising of 8 bungalows to a 54 bed extra care scheme. The number of properties in total that required access control additions or modifications was 1,000.
Videx, working with Goldshield Securus, has provided door entry systems that offer flexible access control that meets both the changing needs of the residents and also the operational aspects of the staffing arrangements.
Videx provides an easy way for residents to report problems
Steve Natton, Projects Manager at Videx, said: “The requirement was clear - the Council wanted an easy way for residents to report issues such as anti-social behaviour, general maintenance faults and any other non-emergency related issue that did not require a call through their warden call system. With the Videx IP based door entry system, tenants have been provided with a remote IP help line through to a dedicated team at North Tyneside Council. By using the door entry handset the tenant can place a call through to the Council which is handled by an operator on a PC based concierge.
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"The operator views the call on the screen and can call the resident back over the IP connection. This call has no cost associated to it as it utilises the authority intranet and also provides inclusion for all tenants living within their schemes whether they have a telephone line or not. Another main benefit of this feature is that it also relieves the strain on the Warden Call system freeing up time for emergency calls.”
A complete security package and lifelong support
A full access control and CCTV system with IP remote monitoring covers the external perimeter, controlled access doors, lobby area and an additional camera is set up in the Scheme Manager’s office. The controlled access door cameras are made available on the residents’ communal IRS TV system allowing them to validate the visitor and the office camera can be switched on to also broadcast on to the TV system to allow the residents to view the Scheme Manager during morning calls. This feature was a specific request by the client to provide the residents with a visual presence if they wish during the call process. Perimeter intruder alarm detection was also provided with remote monitoring which interfaced with the CCTV and provided a complete security package.
Steve added: “What’s particularly reassuring for the Council is that our door entry systems come with a lifelong guarantee of support so if the client has any issues with the system or needs to modify it to meet the changing needs of residents, they can. That is one of the most unique aspects of the Videx service - lifelong support - and one of the reasons why we are able to grow our client base in the housing market.”
