Published: Friday, 25th August 2023
Locations across west Norfolk have benefitted from lifesaving equipment thanks to a scheme launched by the borough council in February to provide more defibrillators.
Groups including Downham Market Town Council, Welney Parish Council and West Walton Village Hall have each received £1,000 towards a defibrillator, cabinet to store it and installation.
Cllr Chris Morley, Cabinet Member for Finance, said:
“Thanks to this scheme there are now twelve additional defibrillators in west Norfolk, giving people access to more lifesaving equipment. I thank Cllr Dark and the previous administration for starting this initiative earlier this year; I trust that it has been well received and is a reflection on how the council is here to help its communities.”
Mike Careless from Heacham Methodist Church added:
"We thank the borough council for the funding that has made this possible. We feel the location of the defibrillator on the outside of the Methodist Church is well positioned, being on the main route to the beach and provides easy access."
The borough council funded the whole cost of the defibrillators up to a maximum grant of £1,000 – applicants could still choose more expensive models and make up the difference. The only commitment required from applicants was that they should identify a location, ensure any planning requirements were met, and agree to meet running costs (usually <£50 per year). The cost of the scheme was met by the borough council’s Small Projects Fund.
By purchasing defibrillators through a third party, the process was quick and easy for parish councils, community groups and charities to apply. Applications were managed on the council’s behalf by Norfolk Community Foundation.
The following groups have received £1,000 towards the funding for a defibrillator, external heated cabinet and installation:
| Group | Location |
|---|---|
| Castle Rising Parish Council | At the village bus shelter in Castle Rising |
| Downham Market Town Council | At the Jubilee Community Centre, Downham Market |
| Feltwell Parish Council | External wall of R H Lindsay Plumbers on Old Methwold Road |
| Gaywood Community Centre | At the community centre |
| Great Massingham Parish Council | On the front elevation of The Dabbling Duck, Great Massingham |
| Heacham Methodist Church | External wall of the church |
| Sedgeford Parish Council | Outside wall of the King William IV country inn |
| Stoke Ferry Parish Council | External wall of Thomas B Bonnett hardware shop |
| Terrington St John Parish Council | External wall of Willows Pharmacy on Church Road |
| Upwell Parish Council | External wall at Russell’s Butchers on School Road |
| Welney Parish Council | At the William Marshall Centre in Welney |
| West Walton Village Hall | At village hall |
At the end of June, the Government announced that they were inviting bids for a £1M defibrillator fund. Community organisations can apply for funding for an automated external defibrillator (AED). An estimated 1,000 new defibrillators are expected to be provided across the country from this new fund.