Memorial stone to those lost to Covid installed in Newton-le-Willows

The monument, which has been created by LT Stonemasons and funded out of the Councillor Improvement Fund, has been put in place at Mesnes Park

It has been installed to mark the one-year anniversary of the first coronavirus lockdown.

Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspron next to the memorial stone

The memorial features the famous quote by the late Sir Captain Tom Moore, 'Tomorrow Will be a Better Day', who helped lift the nation's spirits with his fundraising efforts last year.

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Newton ward councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron said: “Having spoken to members of the public, I and Cllr Bell wanted to put in place a tribute to remember the tragic loss of all those from Newton-le-Willows who have sadly passed away due to COVID-19, but also to pay a massive thank you to our hard working NHS staff and key workers who have carried the country through this crisis.

"A cherry blossom tree has been installed close to the new stone, and one in Newton Cemetery and on Wharf Road to act as a subtle tribute to all those who have passed away and helped us through this.

"The stone also features a quote from Captain Sir Tom Moore, who epitomised the Great British spirit with his tremendous fund raising efforts."

Cllr Gomez-Aspron added: "The stone is in our Remembrance Meadow, which I hope people will use as an opportunity for quiet reflection in such strange times.

"And when this all passes, as it will, we can look back and remember those who got us through it. A year ago, I don’t think anyone imagined we’d be here.

"But fingers crossed as things improve.”