Calls to rethink 'embarrassing' Covid memorial design

Artist's impression of the Covid memorial planned for Gloucester

There are calls to rethink the "embarrassing" design of a memorial for Covid-19 victims.

Gloucester City Council agreed to create the piece in March 2021 to pay tribute to key workers and those who lost their lives throughout the pandemic.

However, the final design, which is to be placed in Gloucester Park, was criticised at the overview and scrutiny committee on 27 November.

Councillors said they did not know if the final designs had already been signed off by their funding partners.

'It's pretty embarrassing'

Councillor Declan Wilson said: "It's like a mini-Stonehenge a la Spinal Tap... people in this city deserve something a little better."

Councillor Paula Dee was also disappointed with the design.

"There's no mention of any involvement from local residents and voluntary organisations.

"I don't think the location is ideal. It looks like a not very conducive place to sit and think with cyclists whizzing past... I think it's embarrassing really", she said.

On the other hand, chief executive Jo McGinty explained that the council is working with funding partners Ecclesiastical Insurance to create the memorial and utilise local skill within the project.

"The reason they’ve chosen that location is because it was close to the offices of the old Ecclesiastical offices.

“As I understand it, Gloucestershire Community Foundation has been involved with the work."

He said that he did not know if the final designs had been passed on to Ecclesiastical but would pass on the committee's concerns.

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