Shere Parish Council installed Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in the four villages of Shere, Gomshall, Peaslake and Holmbury St Mary many years ago. Since then, they have been maintained and kept in good working order, ready for emergencies. The current model has now been discontinued and the supplies of accessories are being run down. This means we have to replace the units and the tired old cabinets, which keep them at optimal temperature, within the next 12 months.

It will cost £6,900 to replace them and Shere Parish Council does not have the funds needed to cover this cost.

Why Not? Grant aid from Guildford Borough Council could be applied for each year by parish councils to help pay for projects in the community such as this, which financed up to 50% of the cost. Unfortunately, due to the financial position of GBC, this scheme has now been stopped and will significantly impair the ability of the Parish Council to carry out works on behalf of the community. This follows on from the removal of the grant to maintain the public toilets of £4,680. A further grant of £5,303 is also likely to be lost, and the Borough Council is also introducing charges to empty public bins on land owned or leased by the Parish Council – leading to a significant annual bill of at least £5,000 - £6,000 to empty them.

Overall, we are in a difficult financial position and need community help.

We have already received a donation from Shere Cinema of £500 and the CO-OP in Shere recently replaced the cabinet which houses one of the defibrillators. This contribution has helped us work towards our target, but we still have a way to go - by asking for your help we hope we can replace these units which have proved to be such valuable assets within our community.

No one knows when tragedy will strike, when an AED may save the life of yourself or a loved one. The AEDs are registered with The Circuit which shows where they are located for individuals or the emergency services to access. The new units will also be suitable for children.

Please give as little or as much as you can, WE NEED YOUR HELP!