The defibrillation units have been donated to Chebsey and Seighford Parish Councils by the Staffordshire Alliance, who are constructing a new railway flyover as part of the £250million Stafford Area Improvements Programme to help provide faster, more reliable services for passengers. 

With the works scheduled to run for another two years, the project team has formed a legacy group, featuring representation from the parish, borough and county councils and tasked with identifying betterment schemes for the local community.

Ian Jones, head of the Staffordshire Alliance explained: “The legacy group is our way of thanking local people for their patience during these essential improvements, with the provision of defibrillators seen as a priority.”

Once presented to Chebsey and Seighford Parish Councils, West Midlands Ambulance Service will then assist with the installation of the units, as well as providing training support. A third defibrillator will also be presented to Chebsey Parish Council on project completion.

John Green, chair of Chebsey Parish Council said: “As one of just a handful of parish councils in the county without a defibrillator, we are delighted that Network Rail and the Staffordshire Alliance have been able to help us obtain our own defibrillation unit.”

Added Gillian Cox, chair of Seighford Parish Council: “It’s incredibly important for the local community to have access to this type of lifesaving equipment, which will prove invaluable.”

The new defibrillators have also been welcomed by West Midlands Ambulance Service’s community response manager Matt Heward who said:

“Any expansion in Staffordshire’s network of defibrillators is incredibly welcome and we are only too happy to work with the both Chebsey and Seighford Parish Council to ensure that they are able to use these units safely and effectively, helping to potentially save people’s lives.”