Network Communication Systems Limited (NCS) is an independent company specialising in the design, manufacture and supply of door access controls and most aspects of security equipment. Formed in Doncaster in 1992, NCS work alongside local authorities and housing associations to provide social alarms and access control systems wherever they are needed.
NCS are currently working with North Lincolnshire Homes in their Better Homes project, a year-long initiative to replace and improve the communal entrances on a number of houses and flats in Scunthorpe. This massive project began in October 2010 and is scheduled to finish in October 2011.
North Lincolnshire Council began this initiative after encountering growing problems with anti-social behaviour in certain areas of Scunthorpe. They found that the main entrances of many residential buildings were set back from the exterior, creating alcoves which invited loitering and vandalism. To combat this problem, the decision was made to not only replace the doors but also have them installed on the outside of each building; this meant that the door entry consoles would also have to be replaced.
Working alongside main contractors Henry Boot and door suppliers Vulcan, NCS are currently tackling ten to fifteen properties per week. Their part in the operation involves replacing door entry panels, installing interior control cabinets, providing new handsets to each flat and conducting repairs and replacements on wiring in individual flats where necessary.
Each premises presents its own challenges – the majority of the buildings are 4- and 6-way flats, although they range from 2-way communal flats all the way up to the 80-way Trent View tower. On top of this already considerable challenge, NCS have also had to deal with repairs on vandalised systems and keep up with tenants’ demands for extra key fobs.
Commenting on Network Communications Systems’ role in the venture, a representative from North Lincolnshire Homes had this to say:
“NCS have been absolutely great. They’ve worked very well with the other contractors and accommodated the schedule changes and problems with vandalism that have cropped up along the way. Personally they’re very amiable and professional – their experience shows. Speed of service counts for a lot in this business and NCS have been on top of the job every step of the way.”