The Dorchester BID (Business Improvement District) has been funding the provision of the latest technology defibrillators in town for over 10 years now. Improvements in technology mean that units become much easier to use. The latest Zol defibrillators that the DBID has purchased talk the user through how to use them, which means anyone should be able to use them in an emergency!
Phil Gordon, DBID project director told us “The defibrillator units that we have funded for Dorchester have already saved lives which is wonderful. One unit that was requested by, and part-funded by the businesses in Durngate street was used to save a life just days after being installed which was fantastic news!”
Four brand-new Zol defibrillators are being delivered and installed at The Dorchester Post Office, Goulds Household, The Royal Oak and at the Concierge office in Brewery Square.
The Dorchester BID is currently going through re-ballot for the 3rd time and by the end of June and the defibrillator initiative together with more than 20 other projects that are all funded by the business of Dorchester (via the DBID) are in jeopardy at the end in July without enough YES votes from levy payers.
Other things that the BID funds and runs that could end include town Ambassadors, subsidised parking vouchers, Hanging baskets & flags, Christmas trees & lights, event sponsorship (including Christmas cracker, Thomas Hardy festival, Victorian fair and the Dorchester literary festival and much more).
Chairman Neil commented: “I feel that it’s really important that Dorchester keeps it’s ‘BID Status as, without this kind of support to the business and local community, a tough trading climate in the high street will get much harder. I urge businesses to get their YES votes in now or risk losing this valuable resource in town which spends so much of its time promoting Dorchester and helping its businesses.”
DBID Chairman, Neil Strudwick of Goldcrest Jewellers presents Nick Rawlings of Goulds Household store with their new Zol Defibrillator
Rixa Capellen receives the new unit for The Royal Oak