Advertising screens and defibrillators could soon be springing up throughout Reading town centre if plans are given the go-ahead.

JCDecaux is a multinational advertising company which owns most of the advertising space in the town centre, which includes a mixture of screens and sheet posters typically found at bus stops.

Plans submitted by the company recently would see digital advertising screens with defibrillators in at least four locations in the town centre.

The defibrillators can be used to save the life of someone who is suffering a heart attack, and would be installed as part of JCDecaux's 'lifesaving street furniture' initiative.

Compulsory public notices of the plans have been spotted in St Mary's Butts and Friar Street.

READ MORE: New digital advertising screen near Sainsbury's in Reading town centre rejected

JCDecaux's advertising has been the target of action by activists in the past.

Activists from the group 'Ad Free Cities' have hijacked JCDecaux sheet posters as part of the international 'Brandalism' campaign which sees the adverts covered over by messaging raising alarm about climate change and anti-advertising messaging.

During Black Friday last year, activists covered up advertising screens in Broad Street with black sheets stating "save 100 per cent when you don't buying anything" and "it's not a bargain if you don't need it".

You can view the applications for JCDecaux's 'lifesaving street furniture' by typing the references below into the council's planning portal:

  • PL/24/1039 and PL/24/1043 - pavement outside Metro Bank
  • PL/24/1040 and PL/24/1046 - pavement outside 110-117 Friar Street