A new community defibrillator has been installed at Hey St John Church on Stamford Road in Lees, providing public access to the life-saving equipment 24 hours a day.

The device was funded by Liberal Democrat councillors Alicia Marland, Sam Al-Hamdani and Mark Kenyon. It replaces the church's previous unit, which had to be withdrawn after its pads expired and replacement components became unavailable. The North West Ambulance Service could no longer recognise the old defibrillator as operational.

Councillor Alicia Marland said she was happy to support the project after the church warden contacted her. She described defibrillators as costly but invaluable for any community.

Councillor Marland stressed that knowing the location of the nearest defibrillator is vital, as early intervention significantly increases a person's chances of survival after a cardiac arrest. She highlighted that no formal training is required to use the new device, as it provides clear voice and visual instructions to guide a user through an emergency.

The new defibrillator is available for public use at any time and forms part of the growing network of community defibrillators across the borough.