Residents in Dacorum Borough are now benefiting from new communal block doors that are easier to use, more secure and better suited to people with reduced mobility. The upgrade, delivered by Amthal for Dacorum Borough Council, replaces ageing door sets that were no longer performing effectively and introduces fire-safe free swing door closers that can be operated with minimal effort.
The solution strikes a balance that many housing providers struggle with: protecting residents without making movement within the building difficult. Traditional fire doors are often heavy and hard to navigate, particularly for older residents or those in assisted living. By retaining the fire integrity of existing doors but adding free swing closers, Amthal enabled residents to move freely under normal conditions while ensuring the doors still close automatically in the event of an alarm.
External access has also been tightened using suitable keys, making each block accessible only to authorised residents. This offers reassurance without complicating daily routines.
The council reports that the transition to the new system was straightforward, with clear communication throughout. Risk and Compliance Officer Clare Hill said mobilisation to the new contractor was handled smoothly and professionally, noting that the process remained positive from start to finish. Temporary Accommodation Officer Donna Waldron said the Amthal team are approachable, helpful and consistently willing to go the extra mile, adding that the work was completed efficiently and to the benefit of both residents and council staff.
Amthal Account Manager Adam Wood said the project demonstrates how a targeted upgrade can improve both security and independence, helping residents feel safer in their homes while reducing physical barriers to movement.
The result is simple but significant: residents can now enter and move around their buildings with greater ease, while the council gains stronger long-term resilience and compliance from its communal door infrastructure.