MP praises Councillor for using funds to save lives

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has congratulated Windermere Councillor Colin Jones for securing funds to place a defibrillator in the village.

Colin bid for funds to purchase the defibrillator, which will be placed on the outside of a building in his Bowness North ward. The defibrillator is part of a campaign to install the machines in locations across the county. If an emergency occurs the 999 service will give the caller the location of the nearest machine along with the key code so that treatment can be administered while the ambulance is on its way.

In Windermere, the plan is to place defibrillators in all four Windermere wards over a period of time working in conjunction with Windermere Town Council.

Colin was told this morning by South Lakeland District Council that: "Your application under the Member Budget Scheme was successful and an order has been raised to pay £750.00 to Windermere first responders."

Windermere Town Council have also approved a grant of £750 to Windermere Area First Responders for a security box for a defibrillator in Windermere Town ward at its meeting on 13 November

Colin said: "This is great news and will make a big difference! We are working with Windermere First Responders to purchase defibrillators to place on the outside of buildings, which will speed response time to 999 calls. I've submitted a request for £750 to help start the scheme so I'm delighted to hear it's been accepted!"

Tim added: "This is an outstanding use of council money. Colin Jones has set a wonderful example by using these funds to help the excellent Windermere First Responders to save lives. I'm really grateful to Colin and to the superb volunteers of the First Responders."