Life-saving units in place by Christmas

The first of a series of potentially life-saving portable heart defibrillators to be installed across Saddleworth could be fitted within two months.

The North West Ambulance Service wants to establish a network of defibrillators round the area - to be used by the public after making a 999 call to report a heart attack.

Councillor Alan Roughley is pushing the scheme to provide defibrillators at key locations and hasten recovery chances.

The scheme is a pilot for the rest of Greater Manchester and will see NWAS donate up to 15 defibrillators, which will be stored in cabinets with digital locks.

The councillor is hoping small signs can be attached to road signs or lamp posts close to the cabinets to mark the location.

Derek Heffernan and Garth Harkness, Oldham Council ward councillors, have devoted part of their ward projects allowances to help pay for the cabinets.