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• Injury collisions eliminated at high-risk location near Durham
• Low-cost intervention uses thermal detection technology and solar power

A low-cost collision avoidance system installed by Norfolk-based road safety technology firm Westcotec has won this year’s Highways ‘Road Safety Scheme of the Year’. Implementation of the system at a high-risk junction in Durham has eliminated fatal and serious collisions, with not a single incident recorded in the past seven years.

Westcotec’s success was announced at the Highways Awards on Tuesday 24 September at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.

The firm’s technology was installed in 2017 on Trouts Lane, a well-used road located just north of Durham, following extensive research and consultation with Durham County Council. It was a high-risk location, with high levels of traffic heading to and from Lanchester Road Hospital.

In the six years leading up to 2017, 10 fatal and serious injury collisions were recorded at the junction. Since the technology was installed, this has dropped to zero.

The dynamic system only activates when there is a specific need. In this case, the presence of potentially conflicting traffic at the junction ahead (not visible to the driver approaching on Trouts Lane) triggers a roadside sign to illuminate and warn of the traffic on the junction.

At times when no conflicting traffic is present, the sign does not activate.

Westcotec sales director Olly Samways said: “We are thrilled to have seen off a line-up of high-quality submissions to collect this prestigious award.

“The Trouts Lane installation ranks as one of our most effective casualty reduction schemes. Since our technology was installed in 2017, the site has had no personal injury collisions, compared with 10 incidents in the six previous years.

“The system only activates if there are turning vehicles ahead, so regular users of the road pay more attention. The risk of getting used to the warning is also greatly reduced.  This is a far more effective method of warning drivers, as there is nothing for them to see and react to when the junction is clear ahead.

“The low-cost technology works conveniently via thermal detection cameras and is solar powered, meaning there is no requirement to dig up the road at time of installation.

“Westcotec thrives on innovation, relishing the challenge of implementing cost-effective solutions that save lives. This award is sure to inspire and motivate us as we work with partners across the United Kingdom and beyond to reduce risk on the roads.”

Appeal for laptops, computers and tablets for local sanctuary seekers

The university.of.sanctuary@uea.ac.uk  

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UEA was awarded University of Sanctuary status in January 2018 in recognition of our offer to sanctuary seekers. UEA promotes a culture of inclusivity, respect and sanctuary through a broad range of schemes and activities, including scholarship programmes, education activities and events, and collaborations with local organisations and groups.

UEA is proud to be recognised as a University of Sanctuary, and is one of only a handful of universities in the UK and Ireland to receive the accolade to date. UEA staff and students have shown an ongoing commitment to increasing understanding of asylum and refugee concerns, and welcoming sanctuary seekers into our university community.

This year has brought dramatic change to how we, and all businesses across the globe operate. Throughout the year we’ve continued to push forward, introducing new technologies to support ourselves and our clients through difficult times. To recognise the hard work and dedication of our team, we decided to enter the Norfolk Business Awards for the first time. We were incredibly excited to even be shortlisted. But to now be able to share that we are finalists in the Small and Medium Business category is a proud moment.  “To be announced as a finalist for the Small and Medium Business Award really is one of the proudest moments of my time at Breakwater. The team have all worked so hard to make Breakwater the business that it is today, they are all so committed to excellence and so diligent in ensuring we meet the needs of our clients.  The fact that we have made the final four out of forty something companies is just incredible as we know we are up against some amazing businesses. We are sad that because of COVID we don’t get to party, but that makes us more determined to keep going and to enter again next year so the team get to celebrate their success.” – John Gostling, Managing Director. We were also pleased to be shortlisted for the Customer Care Award. Although we did not make the final four, we can see the tough competition we had and feel proud to be recognised at that stage.  The Norfolk Business Awards are hosted annually by the Eastern Daily Press (EDP). This year, the awards will be celebrating its 30th anniversary. Although a ceremony is unable to go ahead, we look forward to seeing the results of each category announced on the EDP social media channels on Tuesday 24 November.  Wish us luck! Breakwater IT Team.

In this episode – THE IMPACT OF HEALTH ANXIETY – Ellie takes us through a journey of severe Health Anxiety during a very wanted pregnancy and intrusive thoughts around it being her time for something to go wrong.

She shares how therapeutic interventions enabled her to enjoy her young twins and entire blended family at a time that could have been otherwise impacted by her Mental Health.

Lovell appoints new Land and Planning Director to build on growth plans across the region

Lovell has strengthened its team with the appointment of Land & Planning Director, Ian Reilly.

Ian has over 20 years’ experience in planning and development and will be responsible for securing new land and development opportunities for Lovell across East Anglia. Ian’s previous work includes Group Head of Planning at Allison Homes, Director of Planning at Lanpro, and various Local Authority roles throughout the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

Ian said: “This is a really fantastic opportunity to work with Lovell, with their excellent reputation, and to help them expand and grow across East Anglia. I will be responsible for sourcing land opportunities for new developments so that we can build more homes and help address the housing needs across the region. I will also have responsibility for ensuring that we achieve positive planning outcomes. I’m really excited to help Lovell continue to succeed in the market, and work closely with our partners and stakeholders.”

Simon Medler, regional managing director for Lovell, said: “With over 20 years’ experience in the sector, and already having established relationships across the region, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge, connections and experience to Lovell. I’m confident that Ian will play a key role in securing our future pipeline and I look forward to working closely with him to achieve our growth plans across the region.”

Lovell is a partnership housing expertPartnerships and Property Developments | Lovell Partnerships and a leading provider of innovative and high quality residential constructionNew Build Contracting | Lovell Partnerships and regenerationUrban Regeneration | Lovell Partnerships developments across the UK, building homes, sourcing land and investing in communities. It is a trusted and reliable partner, with great people trusted to deliver great homes, developing long term partnerships with housing associations, local authorities and other partners for over 50 years.

For more information on Lovell visit www.lovell.co.ukNew Build Homes | New Housing Developments | Lovell Homes or follow Lovell on social media.