AFTER a somewhat tortuous journey, a defibrillator is now close to being set in place in a key place in Tilbury, with more to follow.

Local councillor John allen has welcomed the installation of a new cabinet for the lifesaving machine which is at the community hub in Civic Square as he has campaigned for them for several years - ironically first speaking up with criticism of Thurrock Council for not offering to support their maintenance, soon after he lost his seat in the elections in May 2021.

Last month he was re-elected to the authority and says he is pleased to see the donation made for defibs is now finally being put to use.

He said: "It's great to see the first cabinet in place. The actual defib is not in situ yet, it has to be registered with the NHS but it will be soon and there will be two more to follow at other points in the town. I am happy to see them start to become available.

"This lifesaving equipment will give someone the chance of survival and I am sure that I speak for the town when I say thank-you to those who have made this possible."