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South Kesteven District Council urged to move faster with roll-out of defibrillators in Grantham town centre




A district councillor has criticised the local authority’s efficiency in installing vital defibrillators in the town.

Councillor Charmaine Morgan claims that she has had to chase the issue after the project stalled due to staff changes and lack of funding.

The importance of debrilliators in Grantham is clear. The one in the George Centre has already been used three times since its unveiling in September 2019.

A defibrillator outside the George Centre in Westgate, Grantham. (27461283)
A defibrillator outside the George Centre in Westgate, Grantham. (27461283)

READ: Defibrillator used again in Grantham town centre

Coun Morgan believes that urgency has been lacking in the implementation of defibillators. She said: “Despite promises made to me at Full Council in March 2019, South Kesteven District Council has failed to rollout the majority of the defibrillators promised.

“I have had to chase this important issue consistently. Of all the projects being implemented by SKDC, putting in place measures that can save lives should be the number one priority. Having proposed Dysart Park and Witham Place as potential sites on the south of Grantham, I negotiated with the owners of the Costa Cafe site on the junction on Harlaxton Road to get a defibrillator externally mounted there. They kindly agreed to support us.

“Instead of seizing the opportunity however, SKDC officers did not even respond when I notified them. I had to chase them. They did not contact the site owners. Now, with Covid 19 lockdown measures in place it is too late to work with the business owners for the foreseeable future.”

A spokesperson for SKDC said: “The Covid-19 emergency has presented unprecedented challenges for all and is necessarily taking priority as SKDC maintains essential services. SKDC agreed funding for 2019/20 to move five defibrillators to external locations so they are publicly accessible and this work is under way.

“Defibrillators in SKDC’s St Peter’s Hill offices and at Bourne Corn Exchange have been moved outside and another at the council’s Mowbeck Way depot is due to be operational from April 17. Listed building consent is required before defibrillators in Guildhall, Grantham, and Stamford Arts Centres can be relocated. Funding has also been agreed for six new defibrillators to be installed at public locations in 2020/21, and another six in 2021/22.

“SKDC remains fully committed to their installation.”

READ MORE: Grantham area news



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