THE green light has been given for three potentially life-saving devices to be installed in Tranent town centre.

Three defibrillators were bought by Tranent Belters, with East Lothian Council granting planning permission last month for cabinets to house the machines.

The charitable community group worked alongside the town’s community council to see the applications drawn up.

The cabinets will be sited outside 82 High Street, St Martin’s Church Hall and 24 Winton Place.

The defibrillators, which cost £1,000 each, are used to restore a normal heartbeat by sending an electric pulse or shock to the heart.

They are used to prevent or correct an arrhythmia, a heartbeat that is uneven or that is too slow or too fast, and can also be used to restore the heart’s beating if it stops.

Alex Borthwick, secretary of Tranent Belters, said: “All the defibrillators in Tranent are held within clubs, which are not open 24/7.

“When the defibrillators go in, they will be a help. There will be one at the bottom of e High Street at George Thomson’s, one in the middle and one near Asda.

“It will cover the whole of High Street and provide easy access for anybody who has a heart attack.

“Instructions will be there for use and it is life-saving equipment.”

Defibrillators are already in place in the town’s bowling clubs and rugby club, with the new machines available to the public at any time.

Mr Borthwick said that discussions would take place to see the defibrillators – which have already been bought – put in place in the near future.