A NEW top-of-the-range community defibrillator has been officially unveiled at The Groves, Chester, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the local biking community.

Chester Motorcycle Riders raised thousands of pounds for the new installation, which can only be accessed in an emergency and means The Groves area by ChesterBoat now has suitable defibrillator coverage.

The Sheriff of Chester, Cllr Jill Houlbrook, officially unveiled the new defibrillator located at Hickory's in a ceremony on Sunday, January 30, in front of dozens of bikers.

A new public defibrillator has been officially unveiled at The Groves, Chester, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the local biking community.

A new public defibrillator has been officially unveiled at The Groves, Chester, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the local biking community.

Giving a speech at the unveiling, Chester Motorcycle Riders group administrator Gary Fennell said: "Without the group members that have supported us from the start, none of this would have happened.

"We have worked with the council, and said we'd raise money for a defib, and we've done what we'd said we'd do.

"We have got the support of the local MCs, that's what it's about, working together. It's a worldwide brotherhood, and we all stick together, and this [defibrillator] is the proof of it."

A new public defibrillator has been officially unveiled at The Groves, Chester, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the local biking community.

A new public defibrillator has been officially unveiled at The Groves, Chester, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the local biking community.

Gary thanked the backing of Hickory's, Bretton Motorcyles and motorcycle clubs such as Black Pistons Cymru.

Cllr Houlbrook said: "This defibrillator is here today thanks to the fundraising carried out by you, Chester Motorcycle Riders.

"I know your group welcomes motorcycle riders from in and around Chester and North Wales, and you all communicate via the Facebook group.

"The group was formed in 2019 and arranges rides and meet-ups and chat on Facebook, which is fantastic, and you use The Groves to start and finish some of your rides as well.

"You have moved on to supporting the Hospice of the Good Shepherd and many other local charities.

"Defibrillators are considered a vital piece of equipment, in potentially keeping people alive when they have gone into cardiac failure.

A new public defibrillator has been officially unveiled at The Groves, Chester, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the local biking community.

A new public defibrillator has been officially unveiled at The Groves, Chester, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the local biking community.

"The group recognise this, and the need for one on The Groves.

"Last year you held a lot of fundraising events, with the help of Hickory's, to install this defibrillator.

"So it's a really vital piece of equipment and I hope it will never have to be used, but it's good to know that it's here, in an emergency.

"It has been donated by you all to make Chester a safer place, for our residents and visitors alike, so I'd like to thank you all, and Hickory's, for the time and generosity, and for being so community-minded."

Back in 2020, hundreds of bikers and scooter riders held peaceful protests at the Groves after their usual meet-up point, between the Cheshire Farm Ice Cream café and the Chester Bandstand, was effectively cordoned off by Cheshire West and Chester Council due to noise and safety concerns raised by residents.

Following the peaceful protests, the biking group met the council to discuss proposed alternatives, and in March 2021, changes were made at the other side of The Groves, with designated motorcycle and scooter parking spaces next to the City Walls and opposite Hickory's Smokehouse.

A new public defibrillator has been officially unveiled at The Groves, Chester, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the local biking community.

A new public defibrillator has been officially unveiled at The Groves, Chester, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the local biking community.

Back then, Gary confirmed the group's intentions to raise enough money for a public defibrillator to be installed, as the nearest riverside ones available are at The Boathouse, several hundred metres away, and at the Queen's Park High School Rowing Club on the other side of the river.

The new defibrillator can be used in the event of an emergency by dialling 999 and obtaining the unlock code from emergency services.

Chester Motorcycle Riders now has about 1,800 members and helps causes such as the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, an annual Muttley's scooter event in aid of North Clwyd Animal Rescue, the air ambulance, the Countess of Chester Hospital, the RSPCA and Easter egg runs.

Members of the biking community can find out more at https://www.facebook.com/groups/124697564894246/about/