TECHNOLOGY born in the heart of Worcestershire is promising to make Britain’s streets safer after a major new contract with the Scottish Government was signed.

Metrasens, which developed out of Malvern’s world-leading defence technology specialist QinetiQ six years ago, has sealed a deal to supply 17 of its FG1 portable security poles for use at railway stations, nightclubs and sporting venues.

Backed by the Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands (MAS-WM), the company’s metal detection system uses passive sensing technology to provide full body scanning that picks up hidden knives and firearms.

Unlike conventional metal detectors, FG1 has been designed so there are no health issues. It can be used covertly – because the system works through walls – and its lightweight pole structure means it can be deployed and set up within 60 seconds.

Simon Goodyear, who set up the business with fellow director Matthew Wooliscroft, said: “We already have some FG1s successfully operating with Merseyside Police and Thames Valley Police, but this latest contract marks the first major order and comes after a series of successful trials through the Safer Scotland programme.

“Our technology is making a major impression in both detecting dangerous metal devices and also in acting as a deterrent to people thinking of carrying knives and guns. All in all, it should mean safer streets and public spaces for people in Scotland.”

Metrasens, which employs 10 people at its base at Malvern Hills Science Park and its strategic office in Chicago, US, was one of the first companies to take part in the MAS-WM funded Product Innovation Consor-tium, now known as New Product Development Gateway, and received significant assistance towards developing the FG1s from product concept into a fully finished and commercially viable product.