Two life-saving defibrillators have been donated to a Nottinghamshire primary school by construction company Lindum Group.

The machines were handed over to Morven Park Primary School after Lindum was appointed to carry out two separate building projects in the school’s neighbourhood.

It comes less than a week after the importance of emergency medical care was thrust into the international spotlight when footballer Christian Eriksen suffered cardiac arrest and was resuscitated on the pitch during the European Football Championships.

Cllr Arnie Hankin, Chairman of Ashfield District Council, visited the school to see the defibrillators in place. He said: “The events of the past weekend with the Danish footballer Christian Eriksen demonstrate how having a defib close by can save lives. It is fantastic that as part of our regeneration projects the school is benefitting from one of these life saving devices.”

Defibrillators are devices that restore a normal heartbeat by sending an electric pulse or shock to the heart. If a defibrillator is used within the first minute, the survival rate can be as high as 90 per cent. If a defibrillator is used within the first three to five minutes, the likelihood of survival is roughly 74 per cent showing that having a defibrillator close by really makes all the difference.

Lindum framework manager Matthew Jones said: “Lindum is carrying out construction work in the local area and as part of the contract, we agreed to donate two defibrillators, which have been fitted in the school’s reception area and in its sports hall. They were installed by our electrical contractor Selmec, which carried out the work free of charge.

“The donation was planned weeks ago and is part of the social value commitments we make when completing work through the Scape Regional Construction framework. However last weekend’s upsetting scenes at the Euros have brought the importance of emergency medical care into sharp focus.

“Defibrillators really can make the difference between life and death and the more communities which have access to one, the higher the chance that more people will survive those crucial moments after a cardiac arrest.

“Of course, we hope the defibrillators at Morven Park Primary School never have to be called into action. But for all those who use the school, including pupils, teachers and members of the wider community, we are pleased to know the equipment is there if needed.”

Lindum was appointed by Ashfield District Council to transform three vacant retail units in the pedestrian area on Lowmoor Road, Kirkby, into a new indoor market.

The contract was procured via the Scape Regional Construction framework and is being delivered through the government’s Towns and Future High Streets Funds.

An artist impression of the finished market

Cllr Matthew Relf, Cabinet Member for Place, Planning & Regeneration said “Our aim for the new market is to attract artisan food, creative and craft traders to sit alongside the café offering fresh barista made coffee.

“The Moor Market will provide an opportunity for traders who are looking to start their business, or established traders that are looking to expand in a friendly, distinctive space.”

Lindum was also appointed to carry out construction work five miles away from Kirkby in Ashfield, at the Government’s Coal Authority headquarters in Mansfield.

Here, Lindum undertook an office refurbishment, involving a full strip out of the existing building, improvements to the air conditioning system and complete redecoration.

Quantity Surveyor Darren Staples said the work was initially due to be done in phases but was completed sooner because of Covid.

“We had planned to work our way through the offices and work around their employees but one of the few benefits of Covid was that Coal Authority employees were working from home, meaning we could finish the refurbishment ahead of schedule,” he said.

“As part of the work, we offered to fit a defibrillator at the offices but they already had one installed. Instead, they suggested we approach Morven Park School to see if it was needed there.

“The school were really keen to receive it and we are delighted that it is now in place in the centre of such a busy community.”