A new publicly-accessible defibrillator and emergency bleed kit have been installed in West Wichel.
The aim is to improve access to lifesaving equipment for residents and visitors across the growing community.
The equipment can be found at the new Estates Office area, north of Orchards Rise in West Wichel.
The location was carefully chosen to address a current gap in emergency provision in the area. While several defibrillators are already available at the Middle Wichel District Centre, including schools and Hall & Woodhouse, there has previously been no equivalent provision within West Wichel itself.
The installation has been jointly funded by the Wichelstowe JV and Wroughton & Wichelstowe Parish Council, with support from London Hearts, a charity dedicated to helping make defibrillators more affordable and accessible to communities and organisations nationwide.
The announcement comes amid British Heart Week, which raises awareness of the importance of rapid access to defibrillators and emergency response equipment in saving lives during cardiac arrests and serious injuries.
Dan Pavely, Wichelstowe’s project director, said: "We wanted to make sure this lifesaving equipment is accessible to everyone, which is why no previous first aid training or qualifications are needed to use the defibrillator.
"The device provides clear step-by-step instructions, so people will have the confidence to act quickly in an emergency without fear of causing harm.
“Installing the defibrillator and bleed kit reflects our commitment to improving community safety and resilience as Wichelstowe continues to grow.”
Cllr John Hewer from Wroughton & Wichelstowe Parish Council said: “This is great news for the Wichelstowe community.
"The parish council is committed to ensure that lifesaving defibrillators are available all across the parish and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to part fund this unit. It really could make all the difference in an emergency.”
The Wichelstowe development is being built by Barratt Homes Bristol and David Wilson Redrow South West in partnership with Swindon Borough Council which will deliver 3,000 new homes along with new schools and community facilities over 20 years.
The 250-hectare site on the southern edge of Swindon will include extensive open spaces, nature conservation areas, playing pitches and allotments.
As part of this neighbourhood, residents can enjoy 12km of new nature trails, play areas, 200 acres of open space and walks along the Wilts and Berks canal.
There’s also a range of schools for children of all ages within easy reach.
Barratt Homes Bristol is building at Orchards View and Wichel Fields and David Wilson Redrow South West is building at Canalside and Orchards Rise.
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