TWO new life-saving defibrillators have been installed in Northwich.

The devices, which have been fitted at Victoria Road Primary School and Greenbank Community Hub, will be available 24-hours a day in case of emergency.

They were funded courtesy of Northwich Town Council, Vale Royal Rotary Club, Northwich Rotary Club, Rudheath and Witton Together and Weaver Vale Housing Trust.

Speaking at this month’s town council meeting, town clerk Chris Shaw said: “Many thanks to all partners who have supported this initiative by bringing these life-saving devices into the community.

“Both devices are on a seven-year consumables package and will be maintained by Northwich Town Council every two weeks.

“Following on from this, I would like to look at additional sites within Northwich to install accessible defibrillators, including Leftwich, Winnington and Lostock Gralam.

“I will make further enquiries and produce a report with costs for the next council amenities meeting.”

The defibrillators have been fitted to the outside wall of both buildings and training has been arranged for staff and ensure that the equipment is regularly checked and maintained.

Northwich Guardian:

The new defibrillator fitted at Victoria Road Primary School

With both defibrillators registered with North West Ambulance Service, the life-saving equipment will now be available to anyone that needs them - as well as children and staff at the school - using an access code supplied during a 999 call.

The news was also welcomed by Witton councillor Sam Naylor, who said: “Early access to a defibrillator can increase a person’s survival chances from 8 per cent to 32 per cent in the event of cardiac arrest.

“I am delighted that the town council has been able to work with partners to get these devices installed and made fully accessible to the public.

“We all hope they will never be needed, but I’m sure local residents will be reassured to know that they are there in an emergency.”

Both Victoria Road Primary School and Greenbank Community Hub previously had existing defibrillators, but both were no longer working properly and were not accessible to the public.

Leftwich councillor Andrew Cooper added: “I know that the school is hugely grateful to have the new defibrillator installed, and its previous device could not be replaced due to school funding issues,” he said.

“It is also grateful that it could be fitted in a better location.

“The previous defibrillator was located in the school office, meaning that no one outside of the school could use it, but it will now be available to anyone in the area.”