Defib fitted at park after five-year campaign

A new defibrillator has been installed at a park in Worcestershire following a five year campaign.

The device has been fitted at Morton Stanley Park, in Redditch, just outside the changing rooms at the Green Lane end of the park.

Its installation comes following a joint effort between Headless Cross Juniors Football Club chair Leon West and Green Party councillor Claire Davies.

Davies, councillor for Webheath and Callow Hill, said: "Redditch residents are entitled to be protected from unnecessary risks, whether they are playing football, watching a match, or out for a stroll in the park."

She added: "I'm proud that due to Leon's persistence and my knowledge, we have been able to provide an extra layer of security for anyone in need in the local area. This defibrillator will save lives."

Davies' involvement in the campaign came after she was contacted by West, who had been calling for defibrillator at Morton Stanley Park for five years.

The equipment is designed to restart the heart of someone experiencing a heart attack and can be operated by any member of the public.

The British Heart Foundation suggests that without swift intervention from a defibrillator, most cardiac arrests are fatal.

West said: "I spoke to members from many parties at the local council, but nothing ever materialised.

"Eventually, I was told that we simply couldn't have a defibrillator - which of course is not acceptable, especially when they are becoming standard kit at sports clubs.

"Then before Christmas, I got in touch with Claire. Not only did it take her just a few months to get everything sorted, but in the meantime she made sure we had access to a portable defibrillator.

"I'm relieved that we now have this essential facility at Headless Cross Juniors. We are very grateful to Claire for her speedy assistance and care."

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