Taunton to install two defibrillators and 19 bleed kits

Taunton Town Council approved plans at a full council meeting on Tuesday, November 10, to install two public access defibrillators and 19 emergency bleed control kits in the town.

The new defibrillators are proposed to be placed in the Maidenbrook and O'Bridge wards, and are designed for use by anyone, with voice instructions to guide users through the process.

Tom Deakin, leader of Taunton Town Council, said: "Knowing that lifesaving equipment is close at hand can make a real difference in an emergency.

"We want our communities to feel safe and confident that help is available when it's needed most.

"These new defibrillators and bleed control kits will build on what's already available across Taunton, helping more people access potentially lifesaving equipment.

"It's also great that we can make use of materials we already have, keeping costs down while doing something positive for our residents."

The council has already installed defibrillators at Victoria Park, Taunton Green, Hamilton Gault Park, Priorswood Park, and Galmington Park.

Bleed control kits will help manage severe bleeding following serious injuries, providing essential supplies for public use until emergency services arrive.

To reduce costs and waste, the council will reuse poles removed from parks to mount the new kits.

Councillors also welcomed the progress of a wellbeing project delivered in partnership with CHARIS Refugees, supported by £35,000 in match funding from the Somerset Association of Local Councils (SALC) Community Health and Wellbeing Fund.

The project has provided 82 English language classes, 431 subsidised return bus journeys, and training for 179 people across local organisations.

It aims to help refugees and asylum seekers improve their English, access services, and take part in community life, supporting integration and community cohesion in Taunton.

The council also approved funding for the ongoing inspection and specialist maintenance of Taunton’s historic mayoral robes and insignia.

These civic items are considered an important part of the town’s heritage, representing generations of civic tradition.

Regular maintenance will help preserve them for future use at civic events.

A recording of the meeting is available on Taunton Town Council’s YouTube channel.

The next full council meeting may take place on Tuesday, December 8, at 6pm. This is a reserve date, and the meeting will only go ahead if there are enough items to discuss.