People who suffer a heart attack in Dover town centre may have a better chance of survival now that vital equipment has been installed.

Two portable defibrillators have been provided, one on the wall of the K Salon in Pencester Road, and the other near the entrance to Dolphin House in the Market Square.

It is understood that another two are planned.

In a bright yellow box, and marked Emergency Lifesaving Equipment, the automated external defibrillators should only be used after someone has dialled 999 and tried cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Instructions are given as to how to use the equipment should it be necessary.

However, as usual, the new facility hasn’t found favour with everyone.

Former town councillor Vic Matcham, writing on the Dover Forum (www.doverforum.com), called for them to be removed immediately.

“With the cost of £1,000 each this is the wrong place to have it,” he said. “They could get nicked as well and I can see that happening over the next week or so. There will be a buyers’ market for them so they must be removed now and put in a place of trust.”

He suggested putting them in a bingo hall, taking them in late at night and putting them out again in the morning, but later agreed: “They are very good and will save lives.”