Work has been completed on an innovative scheme that is improving fire safety for people living in our residential park home sites.
A system of wireless heat detectors has been installed to protect everyone living at Orange Croft in Tickhill, Cow House Lane in Armthorpe and Mount Pleasant in Moorends. These detectors use thermal imaging technology to keep constant watch over homes and raise the alarm if fire is detected.
“It does make you feel safer”, said Orange Croft resident, Geoff Breese.
“I’ve been here 17 years and there hasn’t been a fire yet, fingers crossed, but with what happened at Grenfell Tower a few years ago, any measures to keep you safe are a good thing. Having an early warning system gives us a bit of peace of mind.”
This fire safety system has been developed with our partners at City of Doncaster Council and OpenView, who have provided a unique solution using the latest technology to keep residents safe.
We’re the first in the UK to use this safety system which is now enhancing the fire protection we provide for over 70 households who live across the three residential sites.
Head of Building Safety, Danny Boardman, said: “The prime reason for putting this system in place is life safety. It’s about giving people as much notice as possible if there is a problem on the site, so that they can get out of their home and get to safety.
“We consulted with all of the residents to talk about what the options were to strengthen the fire safety measures on the site, keep everyone safe and comply with all the regulations. We listened to what people told us and then we engaged OpenView to come up with a solution. We spoke about sprinklers and other types of fire safety measures, and finally all agreed on this solution.”
Scott Pollock, OpenView’s Head of National Development, said: “From the very outset, Danny Boardman and his team at St Leger Homes worked in true, collaborative partnership with the OpenView design team to ensure a technical solution was achieved that not only satisfied the relevant statutory requirements, but most importantly had the residents and their safety at the very heart of the project.
“This partnership continued throughout the duration of the project and its importance became clear when we worked together to overcome some of the challenges a unique project like this can reveal.
“We are absolutely delighted to have played a pivotal part in providing this solution for St Leger Homes and its residents and to see the first of three sites successfully complete to everyone’s satisfaction. We wish to extend a special thanks to St Leger Homes, the Orange Croft residents and our supply chain partner Hyfire for the support and effort. This has ensured a challenging project was as seamless as possible.”
Cllr Glyn Jones, Cabinet member for Housing and Business, said: “Residents are feeling safe and secure in their homes now with this system providing effective fire protection for them. I’m pleased that through working with residents and listening to their needs we have reached a happy solution for everyone.”