Town centre plans include potentially life-saving equipment being installed in Blackpool's main shopping streets

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Life-saving defibrillators could be installed in town centre streets in Blackpool as part of proposals for new communication hubs.

The devices, which are used to resuscitate people who have suffered a heart attack, are part of plans which also include free land-line calls and free internet.

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A similar hub to those proposed for BlackpoolA similar hub to those proposed for Blackpool
A similar hub to those proposed for Blackpool | JCDecaux/In Focus Networks Ltd

Planning applications to place the hubs on Bank Hey Street, Abingdon Street, Church Street and Adelaide Street West have been submitted to Blackpool Council. The units also include digital advertising similar to that found on bus shelters.

But in the past, town hall planners have refused applications for communication hubs, including those designed to replace phone boxes, 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 hubs "would not appear out of place but would complement the public realm and enhance the experience of people visiting Blackpool."

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The units offer a range of publicly accessible functions which include free calls to landlines, free Wi-Fi, interactive way-finding, direct access to local web pages, a 24/7 publicly accessible defibrillator and device charging.

Documents add: "The traditional role of the telephone box seems ill equipped to keep pace with the modern digital environment and the hub unit is a modern expression of the public service, which supports a range of connective capabilities beyond voice calls."

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The applicant says it has worked with Community Heartbeat Trust, a charity which promotes the provision of defibrillators in public places, saying "cardiac arrest is a real issue for all communities with over 100,000 hospital admissions each year."

It says the devices massively increase chances of survival and each defibrillator would be provided and maintained by the applicant.

Blackpool Council has previously resisted the spread of communication hubs on the town's streets and in 2022 approved only four of 15 hubs offering free calls and internet access following an application by BT.

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Planners had warned the units could clutter up the town centre. BT subsequently received planning permission for a handful of further hubs following an appeal although some of the units were still refused.

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