Preston city centre is set to get two new defibrillators in time for Christmas.

The Business Improvement District (BID) will install the life-saving machines outside Evoque in Church Street and Roper Hall on Friargate, to provide 24 hour access in the event of serious cardiac trauma.

One of the units has been purched by BID with the second funded by the Lancashire Lifesavers project – a campaign by Lancashire County Council, North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) and BBC Radio Lancashire.

The city centre already has a number of defibrillators at locations including the railway station, Town Hall and shopping centres, however many of the device are only available during business hours.

The new equipment means that lifesaving treatment will be available round the clock, in locations which see the most people late at night.

Read more: Lifesaving defibrillators are being installed around Preston 

John Boydell, Chair of Preston BID said: “The BID, in partnership with retail outlets and venues across the city centre, work year-round to attract custom to Preston, we have collective part to play in keeping visitors safe and providing access to equipment that could prove vital.

“We are delighted that we have been able to bring two life-saving pieces of equipment to the city centre and offer our thanks to Lancashire County Council, North West Ambulance Service and BBC Radio Lancashire.”

County Councillor Geoff Driver CBE, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “It is great that Preston City Centre will benefit from the Lancashire Lifesavers’ scheme.

“Early CPR and defibrillation gives patients in a cardiac arrest the best possible chance, and that’s why it is so important that community access defibrillators are available in as many places as possible.

“Having defibrillators available so close to where so many people shop, eat, work and live could make all the difference.”

Read more: Lifesaving equipment installed in Winckley Square

The equipment, centrally registered with emergency services, is housed in a secure ambient controlled unit which is accessible only by calling 999 to be provided with the code.

Stacey Penney from Evoque said: “Lancashire Lifesavers is an excellent scheme and we are delighted to be able to support the BID and this vital, lifesaving initiative.”

The units, powered and lit, will self-test once per week with a visual check and online reporting programme being undertaken by the BID.