ABERYSTWYTH promenade has its first emergency defibrillator, but fund-raisers are warning there should be at least three more.

The first defibrillator for the seafront was installed this weekend after a rowing team led by Aberystwyth town councillor Steve Davies donated the money from the sponsorship of their boat in this year’s Celtic Challenge.

Glan Davies, chair of the Aberystwyth fund-raising group for the charity Welsh Hearts - which part-funded the defibrillator - said that the equipment would make a difference, but that more are needed for any emergencies - especially during the busy tourist season.

“This will be the only defibrillator located on the whole promenade in Aberystwyth and will be available 24/7 for public use in an emergency,” Glan said.

“We should be looking for another three defibrillators at least and, at a suitable distance, placed along the promenade due to the heavy footfall.”

Cllr Davies and his team of rowers talked to sponsors after this year’s annual Celtic Challenge race was abandoned amid safety concerns with weather conditions in the Irish Sea worsening.

It was agreed to still donate the sponsorship money, with the cash raised paying for both the defibrillator unit and the box to house it.

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