Addressing security as well as building conservation, hardware from Trimec, part of ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions, is set to secure a number of historic churches throughout the UK.

Himan & Co, a family-run locksmiths with over 30 years experience in ecclesiastical locksmithing, has supplied Trimec’s ES8000 electromechanical V-locks to secure St. Michael’s Church in Stretton-en-le-Field, in a renovation project managed by The Church Conservation Trust.

The Trust – a charity that looks after disused churches of historic interest to keep them accessible to the public – insists on sensitive yet secure restoration and renovation work.

Trimec’s ES8000 V-locks have been installed to the external doors at the church, and are supported by bespoke oak mounting blocks produced by Himan & Co, to ensure minimal damage to the historic oak. Further projects are in the pipeline following on from the product’s successful installation and performance.

As well as minimising damage to the old doors and doorframes, Trimec’s V-locks are ideal, allowing for door misalignment up to 7mm overall – common in aging and warped wood. The high torque motorised bolt corrects any misalignment when locking; it moves from the vertical to the horizontal position, and engages with the v-shaped strike plate, pulling the door back into alignment.

As an added advantage for the application, the bolt can be concealed in the vertical position, hiding the lock so as not to spoil aesthetics of the old doors, and the overall look of the ornate church interior.

Richard Himan from Himan & Co, said: “The V-lock was perfect for the historic oak doors in the churches, as installation requires minimal morticing, meaning we could better preserve the historic fixtures and fittings.

“Having worked with Trimec before, we knew the company understood the importance of these historic buildings, and had the products to secure the facilities whilst still treating the building with respect.”

Simon Wilson, Regional Sales Manager for ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions, added: “While there were a challenging number of boxes to tick to secure and sensitively restore these churches, the ES8000 V-lock fulfilled all these aims and more; it addressed aesthetics, safety and security, as well as sensitivity to building conservation. The V-lock was the perfect fit.

“Working with Himan and Co, we were able to meet the rigorous demands of The Church Conservation Trust, thanks to their incredible breadth of experience, and our innovative, versitile locking solution. Together, we’ve preserved a small piece of Britain’s built history.”

With the slim design and satin steel faceplate making for pleasing aesthetics, the ES8000 V-lock also accounts for safety, featuring the world’s first fail-open motor locking mechanism, eliminating the need and cost of an additional key-override function in the case of an emergency, making it ideal to serve large congregations.