Plan to install defibrillators in Blackpool communication centers

Life-saving defibrillators could be installed on the streets of Blackpool town centre.

It is part of a set of proposals for new communication hubs in the coastal town, which would include free calls to landlines and the internet.

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

The applicant said the devices greatly increase the chances of survival and that each defibrillator will be provided and maintained.

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

In the past, planners have rejected applications for communication centers, including those designed to replace phone booths, saying they are 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 centers “would not look out of place but would complement the public realm and enhance the experience of people visiting Blackpool”.

The units offer a range of public access features including free calls to landlines, free Wi-Fi, interactive location, direct access to local websites, a 24/7 public access defibrillator and charging of devices.

Blackpool Council has previously resisted the expansion of communication centers on the city’s streets and in 2022 approved only four of 15 centers offering free calls and internet access following an application from BT.

Planners had warned that the units could overwhelm the city center.

BT was subsequently granted planning permission for a handful of additional centers following an appeal, although some of the units were still rejected.