A DEFIBRILLATOR will be installed in a shopping centre in memory of a resident who sadly passed away from a heart attack.

Witham Town Team and the Chamber of Commerce applied for Big Lottery Funding to get a defibrillator in the Newland Centre in Newland Street.

Members of the chamber were heartbroken to hear a Witham resident had passed away from a heart attack earlier this year, which sparked off a need for a defibrillator in the centre of town.

Tina Townsend, chair of the Chamber of Commerce, said: "We decided that as a chamber we wanted to make sure that, in the future, that there was a defib unit available no matter what time of day."

The unit in the Newland Centre which will have 24/7 access for anyone who needs it.

The chamber wanted to thank Witham Town Team and New River Retail who operate the Newland Centre for their support.

Mrs Townsend said: "Installing this device will not bring the gentleman back but we have done this as a lasting legacy to him.

"We hope that having a defibrillator that is centrally located and easily accessible 24 hours a day may save lives in the future.

"We respect the family's privacy but in our hearts we dedicate this to his memory."

The Town Team and Chamber of Commerce are looking to find out where the defibrillators are in the town to make a map online.

Anyone who can help provide this information can email website@witham.town