Following the purchase of the BT kiosk in Agincourt Square, Monmouth Town Council has confirmed it will install a tier 1 defibrillator for public use.

This machine is ideal for members of the public to use in an emergency and a service contract will be taken out with the Community Heartbeat Trust who support communities in the provision of Public Access Defibrillatiopn (cPad) services.

The national charity will not only maintain the battery operated machine, but will run a community awareness programme to ensure members of the public are aware of the location and what to do in an emergency.

Martin Fagan, National Secretary for the trust explained that this was the best machine for untrained members of the public to use and the siting at the kiosk was 'the right location' being highly visible. He would supply signage for the kiosk and surrounding area and advise local ambulance crews of its location and availability.

He was aware that money was being raised by Helmet Hair for another machine intended for their premises, but he would be looking to advise them to either relocate to the other end of Church Street or "sponsor one further down Monnow Street as there was little point having a second machine only yards away from another".

Darren Childs said he had been overwhelmed by the support he has received from the town and has so far raised £1,246 towards a defibrillator and cabinet for his shop.

He said, "HMSG girls have offered to make up any shortfall following the Monmouth's Got Talent contest next month, which is really generous of them."