Park memorial in honour of Covid victims unveiled

The mosaic is divided into four sections, each decorated by a different community group

A mosaic memorial in honour of those who died in the coronavirus pandemic has been unveiled.

The Barrow Park Covid memorial in Cumbria, features a "tree of life" mosaic with planters and herbs chosen for their symbolic meaning.

Community groups helped create the space, which was funded by the former Cumbria County Council, which was replaced by Westmorland and Furness Council.

Ward councillor Bill McEwan said: "This is a truly special space which I hope brings comfort to people as they sit in quiet reflection."

The Ormsgill and Parkside councillor added: "The Covid pandemic was a difficult time for many, especially for those who experienced the loss of a loved one."

The mosaic has four sections and each part was decorated by a community group.

Members and volunteers from Love Barrow Families, Furness Multicultural, Youth Ability, and a collaboration between Family Action and Ormsgill Stronger Together, spent many hours on the design.

'Sense of pride'

The herbs surrounding the mosaic all have symbolic meaning, the designers said.

They include fennel for long-lasting love, rosemary for remembrance, lemon balm for sympathy and virtue and lavender for devotion.

A hedge of crab apple trees, donated and planted by the Barrow Rotary Club, have also been planted at the site.

Mr McEwan added: "The time, effort and love that has gone into this memorial area gives me a great sense of pride for our community."