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Lifesaving defibrillators installed at all Ipswich sheltered housing schemes

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Ipswich Borough Council has installed public access defibrillators outside all 15 of its sheltered housing schemes, available for use 24/7.

Why it matters: Defibrillators are crucial for emergency response to cardiac arrests, where every minute counts. Public access significantly increases survival chances for those experiencing cardiac emergencies.

The defibrillators can be unlocked when someone calls 999 and receives an access code from emergency services.

Defibrillator machine mounted on a wall

By the numbers:

  • 15 sheltered housing schemes now equipped

  • Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

  • Accessible to the entire community, not just residents

Behind the scenes: The project was funded by the Council's Area Housing Panels with match funding from the Department of Health & Social Care, delivered in partnership with London Hearts.

What they're saying: Councillor Alasdair Ross, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Housing, says: "It's fantastic to see this lifesaving equipment fitted at all 15 of our sheltered housing schemes, and we'd like to thank London Hearts for supporting this vital initiative. These devices are an invaluable resource for our communities, and by increasing public access to them, we greatly enhance the chances of survival for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest."

The bottom line: Residents can find their nearest defibrillator using the online finder at www.defibfinder.uk or learn more about Ipswich Borough Council sheltered schemes at www.ipswich.gov.uk/housing/sheltered-housing-schemes.

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

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St Stephens Church, The Baths and The Smokehouse in Ipswich

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

Browse upcoming gigs

Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

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