Latest news with #GavinWright
Daily Record
13 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Biggar pilot housing project with smart sensors hailed a resounding success
Sensors monitored property conditions such as temperature, humidity and motion. A groundbreaking smart tech pilot project at a retirement complex in South Lanarkshire has been hailed a resounding success. The recently-completed six-month project saw the installation of a range of unobtrusive sensors at a facility in Biggar. And it is believed there could be 'significant benefits for both tenants and the housing providers' as well as an estimated annual saving of £18.5 million when applied across all of Scotland's sheltered housing developments. Covering retired individuals at Bield's Langvout Court in Biggar, the project involved sensors being placed around communal spaces and ten individual properties at the development in order to monitor property conditions such as temperature, humidity and motion. Gavin Wright, head of property management at Bield, commented: 'This project exemplifies how thoughtful innovation can support older people to live independently, safely and with dignity. 'We're proud to have played a key role in a partnership that's delivering real, positive change. The smart technology we trialled at Langvout Court has brought clear cost savings and improved safety. As a result, we're now exploring how this approach can be rolled out across our wider estate.' Involving Glasgow-based digital health innovator Archangel alongside Bield Housing and Care and the Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre (DHI), the completed project underwent a comprehensive assessment by Edinburgh-based digital technology consultancy firm FarrPoint. The project, entitled 'Evaluating care delivery in rural settings', showcased the latest technology innovations and was funded by the UK Government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as part of the Glasgow City Region (GCR) 5G Smart and Connected Places Programme. Data was relayed immediately to Archangel's ambient assisted living (AAL) secure technology platform and automatically monitored 24/7 to proactively address any potential issues that might arise in relation to the living conditions of tenants. The sensors were connected via the Angelnet resilient connectivity network, with the data then becoming available to all stakeholders via the Archangel platform. The project delivered an annual £7670 saving in heating costs and an annual £2825 saving in maintenance costs. An £18.5 million annual saving is estimated when factored out across all of Scotland's sheltered housing developments. Tom Morton, CEO of Archangel, commented: 'The independent FarrPoint evaluation confirms real, measurable outcomes that address today's operational, financial and regulatory pressures as well as a return on investment within the first year. By aggregating data across housing and care environments, the Archangel platform delivers safer homes, reduces energy and maintenance costs, improves compliance and frees up staff time. 'This isn't about experimenting with innovation. It's about helping leaders turn information into action, confidently and cost-effectively. Our partners are empowered to deploy secure, proven, scalable solutions with real-time insights available 24/7 that drive strategic impact, operational efficiency and better outcomes for people and communities.' The final report, produced by FarrPoint, demonstrates the considerable impact that the use of smart sensors can have in the housing sector: ■ Reduced utility costs ■ Reduced maintenance costs ■ Reduced manual checks ■ Improved tenant safety ■ Improved regulatory compliance The use of smart technology can also be used to monitor other environmental conditions to detect risks such as legionella. Kate Milne, economist at FarrPoint, who led the assessment, said: 'As independent consultants, we often do studies evaluating the real impact that technology can bring, and I'm pleased that this particular assessment showed positive benefits of intelligent sensors to residents at Langvout Court. Not only did it enhance their sense of safety and wellbeing but also supported Bield staff to deliver more timely, informed responses.' The innovation scheme has been made possible through funding from the UK Government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as part of the Glasgow City Region (GCR) 5G Smart and Connected Places Programme. Janette Hughes, director of planning and performance with DHI (and Chair of the UKTIN Health Working Group), who alerted Archangel to the funding opportunity, added: 'This is ultimately about making housing more connected and safer, which allows for more responsive communities creating the conditions for people to live happier, longer and more secure lives in their own properties.' And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
East Liverpool star signs to play college football
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio (WKBN) – East Liverpool standout senior quarterback and safety Gavin Wright has signed with Edinboro University to continue his academic and athletic careers. Edinboro Football announced the signing on social media. The senior star played 12 games for the Potters in 2024 with a school-record 2,157 passing yards and 21 touchdowns. He also rushed for 690 yards and eight touchdowns last season. On defense, Wright tallied 85 tackles and three tackles for loss. He also created turnovers with one pick and one forced fumble. The East Liverpool dual-threat was a WKBN Big 22 Candidate in 2024. Wright also was a highlight machine making WKBN's Top 5 Plays of the Week multiple times. Edinboro Football is a Division II Program in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. Last season the Fighting Scots had an overall record of (3-8) and (2-4) in conference play. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Telegraph
06-03-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
‘Ridiculous' cycle lane bollards block fire engines
'Ridiculous' cycle lane bollards are blocking fire engines from attending emergencies, town officials have claimed. The one foot tall posts were installed to protect cyclists using a bike lane on Wimborne Road in Poole, Dorset. Lorries and large delivery vans, unable to park next to properties, stop in the middle of the road, causing gridlock that blocks emergency vehicles from getting through, officials said. Residents previously complained that the posts stopped them from using their driveways. Gavin Wright, a councillor and retired firefighter, said the bollards were 'absolutely ridiculous'. He added: 'To have [the bollards] outside people's homes is absolutely ridiculous. 'I'm a retired firefighter and if there is a fire engine or police car then unless cars go on the cycle lane, the emergency services can't split the traffic and go down the middle. 'Delivery companies have contacted me asking what are they supposed to do as parking in the cycle lane is illegal but on the road they will block traffic. 'I'm still waiting for an answer. I'm not against cycle lanes but you need to think about traffic and commerce.' Ryan Godfrey, a delivery driver, posted on Facebook: 'It's getting ridiculous now with the cycle lanes, I deliver shopping for a job and it's a nightmare trying to park outside peoples houses to deliver.' The cycle lane and bollards are part of the Government's Transforming Cities Fund. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) council, along with neighbouring Dorset council, have been given £120 million to build almost 50 miles of new cycle lanes in south-east Dorset. Both local authorities have declared 'climate emergencies' and say the project will make travel more sustainable and reduce congestion on the roads. Residents, such as Debbie Woodcocks, 50, insist the scheme is a 'waste of money' as 'you only see maybe 10 cyclists a day '. She said: 'It's made things more dangerous for cyclists and drivers, and I think an accident is more likely now. 'If an ambulance or fire engine is trying to get past now how is that going to work, when they've made the road so much narrower.' Needed to 'protect schoolchildren' Andy Hadley, the cabinet member responsible for the roads at BCP council, said the bollards were there to 'stop illegal parking and protect schoolchildren', but couldn't answer where delivery drivers should stop. He said: 'The design was adjusted to reduce the risk of flooding into residents' gardens and homes. 'Given the increasing width of vehicles, and the manner of driving by some, the use of measures like wands to protect schoolchildren in particular, is an important tool, and where officers recommended their use, they will form part of the consultation process on future schemes.' Cllr Hadley previously said: 'We are committed to creating safe, sustainable and active ways for people, including schoolchildren, to travel locally to and from Poole town centre along this busy road. 'To encourage people to cycle they must feel confident that they are safe. 'These wands are intended to give them that confidence, by alerting both people cycling and those driving vehicles to the presence of the cycle route, affording a degree of separation from moving traffic and preventing vehicles from blocking the cycle lane.'
