BANBURY’S town centre could have up to four public access defibrillators within the next few years.

The news comes after the first life-saving device was unveiled on the side of Marks & Spencer in Market Place on Friday.

Banbury Lions Club has spent 18 months fundraising £2,000 for the life-saving machine, which can be used by members of the public to give emergency help to someone suffering a heart attack.

Lions Club president Ian Wilson said: “We are all really pleased that the defibrillator has finally gone in.

“We’d like to thank everyone in Banbury who made donations and supported all of our fundraising ventures.

“We believe people should never be more than 10 minutes from a defibrillator, and are keen to work with any businesses or members of the public who can help us install more.

“Having a range of these devices across the town centre can only be a good thing. Hopefully they will never be used but they will be there if you need one.”

Mr Wilson said the town centre’s second defibrillator, which is being installed in partnership with Banbury-based solicitors Spratt Endicott, should be in operation by the summer, with up to two more to follow.

The second device is planned for the Banbury Cross area.

Public access defibrillators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, are not restricted by being inside a shop or business, and are available for a member of the public to use.

According to South Central Ambulance Service this is the 10th defibrillator in Banbury.

There are already machines inside Banbury Police Station, Woodgreen Leisure Centre in Woodgreen Avenue and at Windrush Surgery in West Bar Street.

But none of these are available 24 hours a day for members of the public to use.

Banbury mayor Tony Mepham said: “It’s brilliant that the Lions Club has worked so hard to collect money for the defibrillator.

“This is something they have had in mind for a few years.”

To use the system, people can call the 999 emergency number and will be directed to their nearest defibrillator.

Each box has an entry code, which will be given by the ambulance call handlers.

The box has a video screen, which when activated will show the user how to operate the equipment safely.

National defibrillator charity Community Heartbeat Trust, which has overseen the project, will be holding an open evening in the next few weeks to give people advice on using the device.

Rhys Bull, store manager at Marks & Spencer in Banbury, said: “Our position at the heart of Banbury’s town centre makes our store the ideal location to install a public access defibrillator.”

To get in touch with the Lions Club call 0845 833 2924.