MORE and more leading UK companies, consultants, architects and contractors are turning to a Bury business for the answer to fire engineering problems.

And ductwork company Senior Hargreaves' expertise was harnessed by Railtrack when they faced such a challenge as they upgraded fire protection at London's Cannon Street Station.

Working in close collaboration with consulting engineers Frankham Associates, main contractor Mansell PLC and mechanical and electrical contractor MJN, Senior Hargreaves completed the installation with no disruption to train services.

The London Stations Improvement Project is a Railtrack initiative to improve fire detection, alarm and escape routes for passengers. It follows the tragic fire at King's Cross underground station. The improvements embrace 13 stations.

The installed systems use the deep concrete beams that cross the roof to create seven fire zones.

Fire resistant ductwork manufactured by Lord Street-based Hargreaves is used for smoke removal from these zones.

The majority of this ductwork, comprising almost 1.5 km in total, is 1.2 metre diameter with flat oval ducts being employed where ceiling heights were limited.

The logistics of the installation were remarkable in themselves.

Track possession was agreed with Railtrack six months in advance and the installation had to proceed to a strict timetable.

Senior Hargreaves could only install the track bed ducts between 10pm-6am. This made it necessary to install and remove the access at the start and end of each shift.

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