Plan to install defibrillators in resort hubs

The units would also have digital advertising similar to that found on bus shelters

Life-saving defibrillators could be installed in town centre streets in Blackpool.

It is part of a set of proposals for new communication hubs in the seaside town, which would include free land-line calls and internet.

Planning applications to place the hubs on Bank Hey Street, Abingdon Street, Church Street and Adelaide Street West have been submitted to Blackpool Council.

The applicant said the devices massively increase chances of survival and each defibrillator would be provided and maintained.

Clutter up the town

The units would also have digital advertising similar to that found on bus shelters.

In the past, planners have refused applications for communication hubs, including those designed to replace phone boxes, saying they're of little benefit to residents who mainly have their own mobile phones.

However documents submitted by JCDecaux on behalf of In Focus Networks Ltd, say the proposed hubs “would not appear out of place but would complement the public realm and enhance the experience of people visiting Blackpool.”

The units offer a range of publicly accessible functions which include free calls to landlines, free Wi-Fi, interactive way-finding, direct access to local web pages, a 24/7 publicly accessible defibrillator and device charging.

Blackpool Council has previously resisted the spread of communication hubs on the town’s streets and in 2022 approved only four of 15 hubs offering free calls and internet access following an application by BT.

Planners had warned the units could clutter up the town centre.

BT subsequently received planning permission for a handful of further hubs following an appeal, although some of the units were still refused.