THE team behind plans to install 10 life-saving defibrillators in Barrhead is launching a crowdfunding campaign to help reach its target.

The Levern Valley Defibrillator Community Partnership is aiming to raise an £20,000 to purchase and install 10 public access defibrillators (PADs) throughout the central thoroughfares of Barrhead and have already received permission from property owners to site the first six.

The defibrillators will be housed in lockable metal cabinets which will be heated during cold winter months to stabilise temperatures and will be illuminated during hours of darkness.

The group's chairman, Douglas Yates, said: "These life-saving pieces of equipment will enhance the chances of survival of those who happen to have a cardiac arrest whilst out and about in Barrhead.

"Following the purchase of the initial ten PADs we hope to generate sufficient funds to be able to expand the provision of PADs throughout the whole town and beyond, into Neilston, to augment their already good provision thanks to Neilston and Uplawmoor First Responders."

Members were recently given encouragement with the news that their application to East Renfrewshire's Renewable Energy Fund had been successful, resulting in a conditional grant of £16,000.

One of the eight conditions of the grant is that the group work with the council as a joint project and agree on each proposed location. 

ADVERTISING

inRead invented by Teads

Douglas said: "We are happy to work with the council, but we also want to work with other community organisations, with churches, schools, the community council, residents associations, clubs and with local businesses in a real community partnership. 

"To this end we wish to expand the management committee with representatives of these local organisations and ideally would like to have another six members on the management committee."

The trustees hope to hold a meeting with the council within the next two weeks, but said they will launch a crowdfunding page on Facebook to allow any local resident to contribute to the purchase and maintenance of the PADs. 

A public meeting of Levern Valley Defibrillator Community Partnership will be held this coming Monday evening at 7pm in Voluntary Action, Kelburn Street, Barrhead.

All are welcome to come receive updates from the chair and other trustees and to register their interest in becoming more involved in the organisation.