Fears 'lives will be lost' over defibrillator row

Mr Reynolds said it was "important" to show people where the defibrillator was

A bowls club said it feared lives would be put at risk after a council said it could not install signage to advertise its defibrillator.

Essex County Council said any signs highlighting the life-saving equipment would "clutter" the street scene near RHP Bowls Club in Chelmsford.

It would also have "caused confusion for road users" using the A1060 near the club in Canterbury Way, a spokesman added.

However, bowls club captain Colin Reynolds said it was a "snub towards people's lives" that council officials were "more concerned about signs being a clutter".

The defibrillator was installed on an external wall at the club in March 2023 following a fundraising drive by members.

The defibrillator was installed on an external wall at the club last March

Mr Reynolds said it was crucial for people to know it was there due to the club's discreet location in a cul-de-sac.

Members were left disappointed at what they felt was a disregard for the "valuation of life" by the council, he added.

"I think it’s important to identify where there is a defibrillator," Mr Reynolds said.

Essex County Council said it "fully supported" initiatives that enhanced public safety but it feared any signage would create "confusion".

"There was uncertainty around the defibrillator's public access on the private premises, its exact location in the club, and the type of power supply being used," the spokesman said.

"The area also has no through road, so installing signs directing vehicles from the A1060 to the club could have caused confusion for road users."