“I welcome the decision to upgrade the warden call equipment within the council’s sheltered accommodation”, said Councillor Cathy McEwan (SNP – Renfrew South and Gallowhill).

Renfrewshire Council’s Housing and Community Safety Board approved the upgrading of the existing warden call equipment within the council’s eleven sheltered accommodation complexes.  A contract, including warranty and maintenance for a period of 6 years was agreed with Goldshield Electronic Security Limited worth £159,681,36. The original budget for this upgrade was £225,000 – this contract therefore provides a saving of £65,318.64.  The existing equipment has been in place for up to 20 years and now has high maintenance costs due to scarcity of spare parts and inoperability with newer products.

Councillor Cathy McEwan said;

“It was time to replace the existing system as it had become obsolete and could not function with newer products.

“The new system will be compatible with any manufacturer’s equipment, allowing the council not to be tied to a single brand of equipment – generating greater flexibility and potential savings  for future requirements.

“It is hoped that the new contract will allow for a seamless transition with minimal disruption to on-site services.”