MALVERN Hills District Council should install defibrillators in its buildings in the wake of the tragic death of councillor Chris Cheeseman.

That's the call that fellow councillor Julian Roskams will make on Tuesday, when the full council meets for the first time since Cllr Cheeseman's death earlier this month.

Cllr Cheeseman collapsed during a planning committee meeting on Monday, June 2, and despite the best efforts of colleagues and paramedics, was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

Cllr Roskams will urge his colleagues to approve the purchase of one of the lifesaving devices to be kept in the main council building on Avenue Road.

He said: "What happened was a stark reminder to us all, and I fear that in Chris's case, having a defibrillator on hand may not have made much of a difference.

"But in very many cases, a swift response will make a great deal of difference, and that is why I'm asking for the purchase of our own defibrillator for the council house."

He said other council premises, such as the depot in Pendragon Close, should also be equipped, and the council should encourage the installation of defibrillators in public places.

He said: "I've seen it in other countries: defibrillators in high streets, public parks and places like that. They are not expensive and anyone can use them, and they could really save lives."

A memorial service for Cllr Cheeseman is being held today (Friday) at Great Malvern Priory, starting at noon. A private cremation service will have taken place earlier.

Cllr Cheeseman, aged 73, was a district council member for Malvern Wells, a board member of Malvern Hills Conservators and was also involved with Community Action and the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.