A NEW defibrillator kit installed at a community centre could help save a life in future.

Craven ward councillors Adrian Naylor and Chris Atkinson have welcomed the device's installation on the outside of Silsden's Gloucester Avenue Community Centre, owned by the Incommunities housing association.

The councillors allocated money from the Keighley Area Committee to pay for the defibrillator. A similar kit was installed at St James Church, Silsden, earlier in the year thanks to funding from Silsden Town Council.

Coun Naylor said he and a number of local councillors had attended training sessions in how to use the defibrillators.

"People do die from cardiac arrest, even when it's preventable," he said. "If you can get to them quickly and keep their heart beating till the professionals arrive then they have a better chance of surviving.

"If these kits save one life then the cost of them is well worth it.

"I spoke to Incommunities and they were happy to host this latest kit, because they understand that it's for everyone's benefit."

The defibrillators are mounted in secure boxes, which can be opened by obtaining a keypad code from the ambulance service.

Coun Naylor said he would like to see defibrillators sited in Steeton when funding is available.

Director of Incommunities Neighbourhood Services Helen Gibson said: “We are delighted to host this life- saving equipment at the community centre which has been kindly supported by Ward Initiative funding from the district council.

“Importantly, the defibrillator is conveniently located for local residents in the event of an emergency, and complements other such facilities in the Silsden and Addingham areas.”