Metroline News
Turnstiles & Security Upgrades
January 10, 2012Just prior to Christmas, we were asked by one of our major clients in Ashford, Kent, to carry out some significant changes to their office layout. These included the building of stud walls, the installation of full-height glass partitions, the installation of two waist-height turnstiles, and the integration of additional Paxton access control sytems into their existing Net2 system.
As a security specialist, the supply and installation of the turnstiles and the additional Paxton access control works are straightforward. However, as we have strong working relationships with a range of local professional companies, we were seamlessly able to project manage the construction of the stud walls and the installation of the glass partitioning. As these necessitated access control and electrical works, project managing the entire range of works actually made life far easier for us, as well as the client.
So, if you have a slightly more complex requirement than a standard installation which involves security or electrical works, feel free to contact us at Metroline Security and we will gladly assist throughout the entire process.
Happy New Year!
January 4, 2012On behalf of the team at Metroline Security, we would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year.
2012 promises to be a busy year for Metroline, with some exciting projects which we will give more details of in the near future.
In terms of new our clients, we were delighted to be chosen by Sene Valley Golf Club (located between Hythe and Folkestone) to improve their security by upgrading the intruder alarms system. The existing intruder alarm panel was replaced and a total of 30 devices were installed to provide a much greater level of security cover. In addition, the system now benefits from 24/7 monitoring with Police Response in the event of an intrusion.
Metroline Get Hairy!
October 28, 2011
During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.
Metroline Security have proudly gathered a team of brave and dedicated souls, who are putting comfort, hygiene, and amorous liaisons on the line in order to raise awareness and money for this most worthwhile of causes.
To follow the team’s hairy progress, and to pledge your support with a small donation, please click here.
Ansul Fire Suppression Systems
August 1, 2011Many of our clients may be unaware but Metroline Security can look after your Fire Suppression and sprinkler system maintenance.
We were delighted to be chosen by a couple of Holiday Inn hotels (one in Ashford) to maintain the existing Ansul Fire Suppression systems protecting their kitchens.
Often although the fire alarms are maintained as required, fire suppression and sprinkler systems can be neglected with maintenance visits being missed. A well-maintained system is vital to protect working kitchens so, if you have such a system in place, contact us today to find out how cost-effective maintenance is.
Speedy Service from Metroline!
July 27, 2011Obviously having security systems in place is no guarantee that your premises will not be broken into, as Johnsons Recycling recently found out when intruders broke into their offices.
Immediately after forcing entry, the intruders were clearly aware of the burglar alarm as they attempted to destroy it. However, the response times of the system and the monitoring in place meant that the Police were contacted and attended site quite promptly.
Thanks to the system being in place and functioning correctly, the intruder fled the scene without taking anything. Unfortunately the intruder alarm panel was beyond repair – however we were able to respond promptly and ensured that a replacement panel was installed and working perfectly by lunchtime the following day!
Welcome to our new clients
July 14, 2011We would like to welcome a few of our new clients into the fold.
Firstly, we were delighted to be chosen by Viking Recruitment to install fire and security solutions to their head offices in Dover. The systems included a Haes fire panel, Texecom intruder alarm, Paxton access control and Vista CCTV system including internal and external cameras. The systems are monitored with Dualcom’s WorldSIM, giving them peace of mind when the offices are unattended.
Another new client with a requirement for a number of systems was Thoroughly Wood of Canterbury. To protect their premises, we have completed the installation of a Haes fire alarm, intruder alarm, and a CCTV system.
Many thanks to all our new clients and please don’t forget that recommendations are greatly appreciated!
Paxton Training
June 12, 2011Our engineers and sales team have recently spent a day down at Paxton’s impressive site in Brighton. With the engineers receiving some ongoing training to discover the latest advancements in the Paxton products, we are ideally positioned to remain one of Paxton’s leading installers.
The time spent at Paxton also allowed us to play with all their new products in their highly impressive showroom. These included their power over ethernet (PoE) products as well as some very attractive LCD and architectural card readers.
If any customers or potential Paxton users would like to see the products, or indeed visit the Brighton showroom, we would be only too pleased to accompany you.
New Website Launched
May 8, 2011We decided that it was about time that our website got a bit of a makeover, so we are pleased to finally launch the new and improved version!
Hopefully users of the site will find the information they are looking for easier to find, as we have separated things into Commercial and Domestic sections.
In the fullness of time the site will be added to, with some detailed case studies and project backgrounds added.
As always, feedback is always appreciated and if you would like to see anything added to the site them please do let us know.
Ashford Borough Council
April 27, 2011We were delighted to be chosen by Ashford Borough Council to look after a number of intruder alarms and fire alarm systems at a number of different locations, including the Civic Centre building itself.
We have previously worked with both Ashford and Swale Borough Councils to install fire detection, intruder alarm and access control solutions, and we are delighted to extend this relationship further by taking over the maintenance of existing systems in a number of properties.
Saga Access Control System
April 25, 2011As part of the ongoing upgrade of the Saga access control systems to Paxton, we completed the upgrade of the access control system at the Middleburg Square building.
In total, this comprised of 15 Paxton Net2 Classic controllers along with Net2 Plus controllers. In terms of the card readers, these were upgraded to Mifare multi-format card readers which offer increased flexibility of use over the standard Paxton readers.
Number 1 The Leas
April 15, 2011A project to upgrade the fire detection systems at Number 1 The Leas was completed on behalf of the managing agents of the property.
This upgrade to the 43 flats and communal areas involved the installation of new smoke detectors and sounders was planned following the upgrade to the fire panel we previously completed – this having previously been upgraded (the panel itself being upgraded) to a Haes Fusion system.
Variety is the Spice of Life
March 25, 2011We have been busy with a number of smaller projects over the past few weeks including:
- At Kent Auto Panels’ Folkestone branch we installed new intruder and fire detections systems as part of their major expansion and refurbishment. A further project to install a CCTV solution has also been commissioned and will be completed over the coming months.
- SBE, the mobile phone repairers in Ashford employing over 750 people, extended the fire detection system as part of their continued expansion.
- Spicers of Hythe, the suppliers of luxury hampers, upgraded their fire alarm panel and smoke detectors at their offices and warehouse.
- Aside from a wide range of other maintenance and installations works, we also upgraded an intruder alarm on behalf of Ashford School, replacing a faulty intruder alarm panel and sensors.
Happy New Year!
January 29, 2011The New Year brought no respite for the engineers and after a well-earned break they have been busying themselves on a range of commercial and domestic installations and service visits.
Following the successful installation of fire alarm detection systems at Dover College, we were delighted to be chosen to complete another two installations.
Firstly, we installed a two panel, four loop system comprising of 48 detectors and 10 break glass units.
In addition, we were asked to complete a secondary installation which was made up of two Haes Fusion two loop fire panels, 73 smoke detectors and 15 break glass units.
Moving further afield, we completed the installation and commissioning of a door intercom system for a large site in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire (for Brakes).
Following on from this work, we have been asked to complete a similar door entry installation with video entry at another site.
Merry Christmas!
December 23, 2010The run up to Christmas was a particular busy time with plenty of works scheduled and the snow also causing a little disruption.
As ever in the school holidays, we are typically busy servicing fire and intruder alarm systems in schools as colleges including K College (formerly South Kent College), the Folkestone Academy, and the Ashford School.
In terms of CCTV works, we were asked to install a couple of standalone solutions for Saga.
On the Paxton Net2 access control front, we completed an installation to the new Saga building in Hastings and had a smaller project to correct cable faults for a commercial client in Ashford (unfortunately this had not been installed particularly well by a 3rd party).
Ashford School – Fire Alarm
November 28, 2010As part of upgrades to the existing fire alarm systems at Ashford School, we completed the installation of two new Haes Fusion panels along with additional smoke detectors and emergency lighting.
By integrating the addressable panels in with the existing system, we have given the School addressability features along with an easy upgrade path for future works.
Aside from other general works throughout November, we also completed the installation of a large intruder alarm system on behalf of Brighter Homes.
Welcome to our new clients
October 23, 2010Ashford Borough Council and Swale Borough Council selected Metroline Security to install fire alarm, intruder alarm and access control systems at their Sittingbourne site.
The access control system installed utilised Paxton’s leading Net2 system which can be remotely connected to other offices to give centralised and remote control over the doors protected with Net2 in Sittingbourne.
In October, Metroline Security were chosen to maintain the fire and intruder systems at the Dominos Pizza branches throughout Kent. These include the branches in Tonbridge, Ashford, Sevenoaks, Folkestone and Canterbury.
Metroline Security have also been carrying out a number of projects at the Kent Auto Panel car showrooms and workshops in Folkestone and Ashford. As part of this, we were pleased to take over the maintenance of the systems in place and we look forward to long-lasting business relationships with all our new clients.
Dover College and Leeds Castle
September 27, 2010Metroline Security were delighted to be chosen by Dover College to complete a major fire alarm installation in the Leamington House building.
This system comprised of two Fusion 2 loop fire alarm panels, 95 ionisation detectors, 7 heat detectors, 24 break glass units, and 61 sounder bases.
As a result of this successful project, we have been asked to complete another two large fire installations which will commence in January 2011.
Following on from being awarded the maintenance of the CCTV at Leeds Castle, we were delighted to be able to upgrade much of the existing CCTV system to improve performance, functionality and give it scalability for future growth.
To reflect the fact that there is a combination of IP and analogue cameras throughout the castle and grounds, we choose to install 2 x 16 channel Dedicated Micros SD Advanced DVRs which are a true hybrid and allow for the IP camera images to be recorded onto the same DVR.
In conjunction with the installation of a rack kit to organise the CCTV infrastructure and some camera upgrades, this has improved the performance and reliability of the CCTV system throughout the Maidstone grounds.
No time for holidays…
August 26, 2010Unfortunately we don’t seem to have any time for Summer Holidays this year as August in turning into an incredibly busy month!
In terms of new customers, we were delighted to be selected by Leeds Castle to provide CCTV maintenance for the coming year. This beautiful site has a Dedicated Micros-based system which the security staff in Maidstone are reliant on and we look forward to working with them to improve this where possible.
At Gomez, we completed an upgrade to the fire alarm system with two new networked fire panels being installed in their Canterbury buildings. As with the majority of our recent fire installations, we decided on the excellent Haes Fusion fire panel which offer full addressability and the ability for easy expansion if required.
As the new season approaches at Dover Athletic Football Club, we were chosen to install a CCTV system which will allow the Health & Safety Officer and Head Steward to monitor the ground and attendees from their new security room. The system comprises a number of high-quality PTZs to allow full coverage of the ground and stands, along with a DVR to ensure that images are captured and stored.1
Saving Money for Kent’s Schools
July 28, 2010A comprehensive project with the Folkestone Academy was completed which will save them considerable sums of money each year.
Having completed an upgrade to the CCTV systems in place, we have arranged for around the clock CCTV monitoring which removes the necessity for 24 hour manned guarding.
Moving away from manned guarding to a fully monitored CCTV solution offers such significant cost savings that the business case is overwhelming.
In addition, the Folkestone Academy are also benefiting from Redcare GSM monitoring on the fire and intruder systems, ensuring that their premises and assets are protected at all times.
Don’t Burn the Bread!
June 24, 2010We are always pleased when we are referred by our customers, wherever the site may be. We were recently recommended to look at a proposed fire alarm installation at a large bakery in London which we only too pleased to be awarded.
The Flour Power City Bakery was fitted out with a Haes Fusion panel with addressable Apollo heads to give them a comprehensive system which is entirely future-proof.
Metroline Security we are always delighted when our customers take the time out to recommend our services so feel free to spread the word!
Veolia and Access Control Upgrades
May 20, 2010We were delighted to be awarded some significant new contracts and major upgrade works this month.
Firstly, we were delighted to be chosen by Veolia Water South East to look after their fire systems. Veolia Water SE (formerly Folkestone and Dover Water Services) provides 43 million litres of water a day to approximately 158,000 customers throughout Folkestone and Dover together with surrounding rural areas including Romney Marsh and Dungeness.
In terms of our existing customers, we were involved in a large upgrade of the access control systems at the Folkestone Academy School. This expanded existing BPT system as well as improving the infrastructure and cabling on which the system was working.
Meanwhile at Saga, we carried out an extensive exercise to facilitate the migration from their existing access control system (across 5 large sites) onto the Paxton Net2 system.
New Customers for Metroline Security
March 23, 2010The busy start to the year has continued at Metroline Security and are delighted to have been awarded some significant new contracts in March:
•We have been successful in winning the contract for Fire Alarm maintenance at South Kent College’s campuses in Folkestone, Dover, and Ashford. South Kent College are in the process of merging with West Kent College to form K College and we welcome the opportunity to look after their extensive sites.
•Staying in academia, we were selected by the prestigious Ashford School and Ashford Friars Prep Schools to maintain their Fire Alarm systems for the coming year. This further increases the impressive number of sites we look after in Ashford, which is something we are committed to further expanding.
•Slightly closer to home, Premier Occupational Health (a provider of occupational health and wellbeing services) have selected Metroline to look after their fire alarm, intruder alarm and CCTV systems. Having been looked after by a company some distance away, the exceptional responsiveness of our services was a key benefit to them.
Busy, busy!
February 20, 2010- We went “Totally Wild” at Port Lympne Zoo while installing a wireless EMS Fire Alarm System to the Mansion House. In part due to the impressive murals in the building, a wireless system was chosen for the first phase of this project to provide a comprehensive fire detection solution without impacting on the aestethics of the building.
- At the Broome Park Estate, just outside Canterbury, a prestigious site where we look after the fire and intruder alarm, we installed an EMS lone worker alarm. The system was a 7000 StaffPoint wireless system (http://www.emsgroup.co.uk/literature/7000-oview.pdf) with a couple of transponders. With a range in excess of 250m and aerial tamper and signal blocking detection, this is a superb system for situations where a secure and high-integrity personal attack alarm is required in a mobile working environment.
- In terms of major residential works completed this month, we supplied and installed a fire detection system at Priors Leas in Folkestone on behalf of the managing agent. The system chosen was a Aico radio-linked fire detection system which contains lithium battery guaranteed for 10 years. This is a cost-effective system which will require very little maintenance over the coming years, thereby limiting the total costs associated with the fire alarm system.
Happy New Year!
January 28, 2010We would like to wish all our customers and business partners a happy and prosperous New Year!
For all the staff at Metroline Security, the New Year got off to a hectic start with some significant installations:
- At HUSK UK (who have been providing Commercial Vehicle services since 1901), we installed a 16 channel DVR with 6 internal domes and 8 external Techwin cameras to provide a comprehensive CCTV solution to their 7 acre sitein Dover. In addition, a large display was supplied for the corporate headquarters in order that the general operations could be monitored on a 24 x 7 basis using the remote viewing software.
- Meanwhile, over in Ashford at SBE we replaced the devices on an existing large fire alarm system in a new industrial unit and linked two new panels to create one large addressable system with a total of 16 zones across the two large buildings.
- Through one of the larger managing agents we deal with, we were requested to install emergency lighting to the communal areas of the St Andrews developments in Folkestone.
Securing Ashford’s Businesses
November 25, 2009We have completed a number of installations at SBE (UK) Limited, one of the UK’s largest mobile phone repairers. In addition to an access control project utilising Paxton access control systems, we have also been awarded the servicing and maintenance contract for all fire and security systems in place including the fire alarms, intruder alarm, access control, CCTV and emergency lighting.
Major Contract Renewal
November 20, 2009Our existing contract with P&O Ferries was extended for another year as well as becoming more encompassing. As a result of our good service and competitive rates, we have been awarded maintenance contracts for intruder alarms, access control and CCTV at their sites in East Kent.
Folkestone Academy Choose Metroline Security
October 17, 2009We were delighted to be chosen by the Folkestone Academy as their preferred supplier for the maintenance and servicing of their fire detection systems, as well as their security systems comprising intruder alarms, CCTV, and access control systems.
The Academy, home to 1,000 pupils, replaced the former Channel School and was completed in 2007 at a cost of £38million. We look forward to a long-lasting business relationship with the team at the Academy.
Metroline Security go Totally Wild!
September 6, 2009Several members of the Metroline team were brave/stupid enough to take part in the Port Lympne Totally Wild 10km run on September 5th. Thankfully, everyone managed to complete it although Rob (the youngest member of the team taking part) was slightly slower than the others! Pictured below proudly showing their medals are Rob, Paul Sulsh (Fell Reynolds), Simon, Paul, Jacqui (she looks shorter because she is standing on lower ground, honest!) and Sue.
Busy, busy!
August 17, 2009August has been an incredibly busy months despite the holidays with projects for existing customers such as Red Devil Storage, St Mary’s Primary School, and the White Cliffs development in Folkestone (a large installation of emergency lighting).
CCTV Upgrades
July 17, 2009Metroline Security have been busily supporting our valued customers with their fire and security needs.
With regard to CCTV works, we have recently completed a number of DVR and CCTV upgrades on behalf of both P&O Ferries (Dover) and Saga (Folkestone).
Metroline Security Awarded Contract
May 7, 2009We were also delighted to be selected by CCL Labels for the development of the fire and intruder alarms at their recently-expanded Ashford site. CCL Labels, the global leader in supplying decorative, informational and promotional labels to the world’s largest consumer and healthcare companies, are a brand-new customer for Metroline Security and we look forward to building a lasting business relationship.
P&O Selects Metroline Security
April 23, 2009Metroline Security are pleased to announce that we have been selected by P&O Ferries to maintain the security systems at their Dover logistics site.
Dover Athletic Celebrate Promotion with Emergency Lighting!!!
April 20, 2009Congratulations to Dover Athletic on clinching promotion to the Blue Square South league. In light of this promotion to a higher level of football, Metroline Security completed an upgrade to the emergency lighting to ensure that Dover Athletic is fully compliant with the Football Association’s requirements.
William Harvey Hospital CCTV Installation
March 9, 2009Metroline Security appointed by East Kent Hospitals University NHS Trust to supply and install new digital video recorders and fully-functional pan-tilt-zoom cameras. East Kent Hospitals University NHS Trust is one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and several outpatient facilities across East Kent and Medway, these include the William Harvey, Kent & Canterbury, Buckland and QEQM.
New Fire Alarm at Dover Football Club
February 20, 2009Metroline Security complete the installation of fire alarm systems to the changing rooms as well as the Directors and Sponsors boxes at Dover Athletic Football Ground.
Dover Athletic Football Club is an ambitious club that is currently 23 points clear at the top of the Ryman League Premier Division. We were pleased to be the official match sponsor earlier this season.
CCTV Installation at Kidz Planet
January 17, 2009Metroline Security were choosen to install a new internal/external CCTV system at Kidz Planet, Folkestone’s 4-storey indoor family entertainment centre and possibly the loudest place in Shepway!
Quarterhouse, Folkestone
January 10, 2009Metroline Security install intruder alarm and CCTV systems at the £4M Performing Arts and Business Centre on behalf of the Creative Foundation.
Take Fire Safety Seriously and Enjoy Your Christmas
December 17, 2008Kent Fire and Rescue Service is urging Shepway residents to stay safe this Christmas and ensure that the festive period is an enjoyable one.
Christmas Safety Week
Folkestone Fire Station Manager Barry Douglas said:
“Christmas should be a time of fun and festivities but it’s all too easy to overlook your usual fire safety efforts. Dangers including careless disposal of smoking materials, unattended cooking, overloading of electric sockets with decorative lights and careless use of candles.
I would urge all residents to follow our festive safety tips to keep your family and home safer from the increased risk of fire over the Christmas period.”
Protect your homes from fire by following twelve tips for festive fire safety:
* Check your Christmas tree lights conform to British Standard. Always use an RCD on outdoor electrical equipment.
* Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings. Don’t leave them burning unattended.
* Make sure your family and visitors staying for the festive period know what to do in an emergency.
* Decorations can burn easily – don’t attach them to lights or heaters.
* Switch off electrical appliances when not in use, unless they are designed to stay on. Take special care with Christmas lights and always switch them off before you go to bed.
* Celebrate Christmas and New Year safely – the risk of accidents is greater after alcohol is consumed.
* Most fires start in the kitchen – never leave cooking unattended.
* Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished.
* Check the battery in your smoke alarm every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.
* Keep candles, lighters and matches out of reach of children.
* If you use an open fire or wood burning stove, it is essential that the chimney is regularly swept and you do not allow soot or ash to build up as this can catch fire.
* Book up a free home fire safety check with Kent Fire and Rescue Service.
To arrange a free Home Fire Safety Check or to find out more, call Kent Fire and Rescue Service free on 0800 9237000 or visit www.kent.fire-uk.org
De Bradelei Wharf Intruder Alarm
December 2, 2008Metroline Security were delighted to be appointed for the installation of a new intruder alarm at De Bradelei Wharf, Dover.
Metroline Sponsor Dover Athletic FC
November 15, 2008Metroline Security sponsor Dover Athletic F.C. Metroline Security were delighted to be the official match sponsor for Dover Athletic’s 2-1 win over Heybridge. Metroline Managing Director is pictured here presenting the Man of the Match award to Dover midfielder Alan Pouton.
Metroline Security invests in Vehicle Tracking
November 4, 2008Vehicle tracking installed to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction. Metroline Security have installed the Fleet View vehicle tracking system to all the engineers vehicles. This enables us to see in real-time where each engineer is located, ensuring that when a call-out is received the closest available engineer can be sent. This not only allows us to keep our extremely competitive prices in place, but more importantly ensures that our service is proactive and exceptionally responsive.
Metroline Security selected by Orbital Marketing
October 19, 2008Orbital Marketing choose Metroline for ongoing fire and intruder maintenance. Metroline Security were delighted to be selected by Orbital Marketing as their preferred fire and security service provider. Based in Ashford, Orbital Marketing provides specialist marketing communication services for specific market sectors and we at Metroline are pleased to be working with them.
Saga award contract to Metroline Security
August 12, 2008Metroline Security appointed by Saga for fire and security installations at new Cheriton Parc site. Saga, who merged in 2007 with the AA in a £6.2bn deal, appointed Metroline Security to install and maintain the intruder and fire alarms, along with the access control and CCTV systems at Saga’s new Cheriton Parc building in which over 400 staff will be employed.
SBE Chooses Metroline
July 7, 2008Metroline Security appointed by SBE (UK) Ltd for security installations and consolidated maintenance. Ashford-based SBE, one of Europe’s leading refurbishers and repairers of mobile phones, chose Metroline Security to upgrade the CCTV and general security, as well as undertaking the servicing and maintenance to the fire alarms, intruder alarms, access.
CCTV and Access Control Upgrades
May 27, 2008During May, Metroline Security completed a significant upgrade to the access control and CCTV systems at the Orbital Marketing Services Group in Ashford.
Orbital Marketing, formerly BP Travel Trade Marketing, has been one of Ashford’s pre-eminent companies for over 35 years and Metroline Security were delighted to be chosen to maintain their fire and security systems from 2008.
Metroline invests in technology!
January 10, 2008New software system installed. Metroline Security have invested in a new software application to manage the maintenance and service agreements for our thousands of commercial and residential customers.
This new technology will make the organisation of our engineers far more efficient which will benefit our customers not only by keeping our costs low but also by speeding up our response to call outs.
Metroline become BAFE Accredited
November 17, 2007Metroline become BAFE accredited. BAFE is a non-profit making organisation dedicated to improving standards in fire protection supported by government, trading standards and the HSE.
Metroline Security were one of the very first BAFE-accredited companies in Kent, demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement and maintaining the very highest standards.
