Cllr Taffurelli at the old phone box in Wotter
Cllr Taffurelli at the old phone box in Wotter, which not only houses a defibrillator but doubles as a mini-library for local residents.
The Wotter community defibrillator machine has been successfully relocated to a former phone box on the main road.
The life-saving equipment, which could increase the survival chances of people having a cardiac arrest, was moved from its previous location at Wotter Surgery in order to make it more accessible.
Shaugh Prior parish councillor Colin Taffurelli spearheaded a campaign for funding to purchase the defibrillator and convert the phone box.
Colin said: ‘I’d like to thank everyone who contributed money, time or both towards getting the phone box ready. The equipment has yet to be used in an emergency, but it is reassuring to know it’s there should anyone need it.
‘I’m really delighted that the old phone box, which was due to be removed by BT, now has an important purpose. It’s visibility and location in the heart of the village make it the perfect home for the defib – not bad, considering we paid just £1 to take over its ownership for the local community!’
The relocation required a mains electricity supply to be reconnected and the installation of a new light source, which was funded by Shaugh Prior Parish Council and Western Power Distribution.
Defibrillators are also located in cabinets outside Lee Moor Hall and Shaugh Prior Village Hall. The access codes and instructions to all the machines are now available on the defibrillator units to enable quick and easy access in an emergency.