A CAMPAIGN has been launched to raise £1,500 to buy a new defibrillator for a town.

Westhoughton residents are raising money online for a new defibrillator to be fitted in Market Street.

There is a defibrillator in Westhoughton Sports and Social Club, Park Road, but concerns have been raised about the need for emergency equipment which is accessible 24 hours a day.

Westhoughton councillor Anna-Marie Watters and resident Richard Bates decided to launch an online fundraising page.

Their proposal is to have a defibrillator fitted to the outside of a building. 

Cllr Watters said: “There was a list of things we were looking at. Benches and plaques, for example. At the top of the list were defibrillators because they save lives, at the end of the day.

“There is a defibrillator at the social club but it is inside. If that building is not open, people cannot get access to it.

“We wanted to bring the community together and fundraise for something that would benefit everybody.”

Cllr Watters added: “You just never know. If it saves one person’s life then we have done the right thing.”

Cllr Watters says the two campaigners have researched the best equipment to be installed outside.

She said: “It will go in a case that comes with it. 

“It is more expensive but it will be accessible to everyone.

“It will also have a code to unlock it. People won’t be able to just take it out.

“People will still have to contact the emergency services and they will give you the code to use.” 

The pair have suggested that the defibrillator could be fitted to the town hall but, as they would need permission from the town hall owner, they are open to suggestions from the public.

Cllr Watters added: “We’re open to other ideas, definitely in Market Street. For me, further down the street near the War Memorial might be good.

“If other people would like to suggest anywhere else we would be more than willing to look into these places. 

“But if you say to people Market Street in Westhoughton, they will know where you mean.”

They say, so far, the campaign has attracted support from residents. 

Cllr Watters said: “We have had lots of people that know us sending messages saying it’ s a great idea, people are really behind it.” 

If you would like to donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LoveWesthoughton