A POTENTIALLY lifesaving defibrillator machine at the Community Building at Minehead Recreation Ground is set to remain active.

There were concerns that the public access defibrillator - which can be used on someone in the event of them having a cardiac arrest - would be removed.

It had been reported that the South Western Ambulance Service, which provides the defibrillator, had announced it would no longer be offering new agreements or equipment.

The existing agreement for the Community Building defibrillator between the SWAS and Minehead Town Council is set to expire on September 15.

Councillors heard earlier this month at the council's finance and general purpose committee that there were two options - either end the agreement and return the defibrillator or take on its responsibility.

They were told that the defibrillator batteries, lasting up to four years, cost about £400 to replace, while pads with a shelf life up to two years, cost between £100 and £200 and require replacement after each use.

A council spokesman said: "Councillors discussed that there is a local defib group in the town and felt that it would be useful for the council to enquire if they could offer any operational support or advice for the maintenance of the unit."

Councillors were set to agree on Tuesday (August 27) to assume responsibility for the defibrillator when the agreement with SWAS comes to an end next month.

The Minehead Community Defib Group gained charity status four years ago and has now funded 20 public access defibs throughout Minehead and Alcombe and trained hundreds of people in basic life support.