LIFE-SAVING DEFIBRILLATORS are one step closer to being installed across the community as possible locations are being considered by Oldham Council planning officers.
North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) wants to establish a network of defibrillators which can be accessed 24 hours a day by the public after making a 999 call to report a heart attack.
Saddleworth Parish Councillor Alan Roughley, from Denshaw, has been working closely with community groups, councillors and locals to seek out spots for the digitally-locked wall cabinets housing the machines.
Now, five locations have been submitted to planning officers to check if they require a full planning application or can be considered ‘deminimis’ – small additions to the exterior.
Another six possible locations are also being looked at across other villages.
Money has already been raised to pay for the installation of the cabinets, including funds from ward allowances from Cllrs Roughley, Derek Heffernan and Garth Harkness.
The defibrillators will be paid for and under the control of the NWAS, who hope locals will keep an eye on the cabinets and keep them clean.
Cllr Roughley said: “Saddleworth is seen as an area at risk as ambulances sometimes aren’t as quick getting here.
“We want the defibrillators installed somewhere they can be seen easily or a sign pointing to them so people can find them easily.
“The owner or leaseholder of the building has to be agreeable and willing to pay for the electricity and light the cabinet.
“Planning permission is needed in conservation areas, but Oldham Council has agreed the £198 fee for each application can be paid for out of the Public Health budget.
“Everybody is interested in getting it up and running so now we just have to get things moving along and sorted.”
NWAS paramedic Steve Nicholls who is organising the scheme, said: “There is a terrific commitment to make ts scheme work.
“We would urge all the local communities to help – there can be nothing more satisfying than being part of a team helping to save a life.”
Five locations chosen:
The Three Crowns
Denshaw Village Hall
Diggle Nursery
Civic Hall Uppermill
Tame Valley Squash and Tennis Club
Other possible locations:
Dobcross in phone boxes
Delph Health Centre
Lees Library
Greenfield Station
Satellite Youth Centre
Lido House Grotton
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