Videx

Stirling's older people are benefiting from a new £400,000 home security scheme.  The Care and Repair Project introduced the scheme earlier this year to provide homeowners with a number of home security products.

The scheme was initially set up to provide homeowners over the age of 85 with security products which would make them feel more secure in their own home.  The age limit has since been reviewed and has now been dropped to 82.  Each home in the scheme is individually assessed and may be fitted with a Videx video security door entry system, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and external motion sensor lighting.

Thomas and Elizabeth Rattray of Newpark Road in St. Ninians were the first to receive the home security package earlier this year and are absolutely delighted with it.  Mrs Rattray said,  It's important for us to know who we are opening our door to.  The video monitor means that we can see who is at the door when we are sitting in the living room.  We can also ask anyone we don't recognise to display identification at the camera as well.  We've got the same system upstairs so if we're in bed we can still see who's at the door.  The security lighting means that the system still works, even when it's dark.  It has made us both feel very secure.

Local Councillor Pat Kelly met the couple to hear first hand what they thought of the system.  He said I'm glad this funding has been made available to support our older people in their own homes.  I'm also glad to hear that the age limit has been dropped to allow more people to benefit.

The Videx video security door entry system consists of a wall-mounted console with a 4 inch colour monitor and handset which is installed in the living room.  It is connected to an outside camera with integral lighting.  Householders can speak to visitors at the door and at the press of a button also allow them access from the comfort of their armchair.  The same system can also be installed in upstairs bedrooms.

Carbon monoxide monitors are fitted near to all gas cookers and fires and mains operated smoke detectors are fitted both upstairs and downstairs.

The systems are installed in one day to minimise disruption to householders. So far over 140 systems have been installed since the scheme launched.

Photo Caption

Front (L - R) Thomas Rattray pictured demonstrating the new video security door entry system alongside his wife, Elizabeth Rattray and local Councillor Pat Kelly. Back Installer Stan Johnston of Goldshield Security, Andy Douglas from Stirling Council and Neil Thomas from video door entry system manufacturer Videx.