As part of the development of the Moor Market in Kirkby, Morvern Park Primary school has received two lifesaving defibrillators.

Lindum, the company constructing the new Kirkby indoor market, has donated the defibrillators as part of its scheme to give back to the local communities it works in. Morvern Park Primary school will now benefit from having a defibrillator on both of its sites.

Coun Arnie Hankin, chairman of Ashfield District Council, said: “Danish footballer Christian Eriksen suffering cardiac arrest on the pitch demonstrates how having a defib close by can save lives. It is fantastic that as part of our regeneration projects the school is benefitting from one of these life saving devices.”

The Moor Market will be located in three former vacant retail units on the pedestrian area on Lowmoor Road, Kirkby.

Lindum framework manager Matthew Jones said: “Lindum is carrying out construction work in the local area and as part of the contract, we agreed to donate two defibrillators, which have been fitted in the school’s reception area and in its sports hall. They were installed by our electrical contractor Selmec, which carried out the work free of charge.

“The donation was planned weeks ago and is part of the social value commitments we make when completing work through the Scape Regional Construction framework. However last weekend’s upsetting scenes at the Euros have brought the importance of emergency medical care into sharp focus.

“Defibrillators really can make the difference between life and death and the more communities which have access to one, the higher the chance that more people will survive those crucial moments after a cardiac arrest.

“Of course, we hope the defibrillators at Morven Park Primary School never have to be called into action. But for all those who use the school, including pupils, teachers and members of the wider community, we are pleased to know the equipment is there if needed.”

Pictured are Mark Watson, headteacher at Morven Park Primary School; Coun Arnie Hankin, chairman of Ashfield District Council; Louise Morris, relationship manager at Scape; and Paul Jenkinson, contracts manager at Lindum Group.