Plans to install a defibrillator on Beer beach are ‘in the early stages’ - as village representatives look for ways to fund the equipment.

Former councillor Dan Clist, who has spearheaded the idea, announced he would be standing down from Beer Parish Council before its meeting on Tuesday, January 12.

Mr Clist, who joined the council in May last year, had raised the idea following the death of Beer resident Robbie Driver, who suffered a heart attack aboard his boat.

Parish council chairman Councillor Martin Richards said that cost of the defibrillator would be at least £1,800.

The fee would cover a four-year service before the contract would have to be renewed.

He added: “We don’t know if there will be enough finance to provide a defibrillator on the beach.

“We will need to explore the fundraising situation.”

The closest defibrillator to the beach is at the Dolphin Hotel and Cllr Darren Clinch said that it receives regular checks.

Cllr Clinch said: “We have checks every six months to change the pads and there is training if we have new staff.”

During the meeting, councillors discussed putting a sign up on the beach to make users aware of the nearest defibrillator.

After the meeting, parish clerk Annie Dallaway said the council would continue to look at the cost of funding for the equipment - but may look to match funding and grants to finance the life-saving equipment.

She added: “It is quite a big financial commitment.

“We are very much in the early stages.

“Now that Dan has gone from the council, we will need another councillor who would step forward and take the project on.”