Coronavirus memorial in Portsmouth gets approval by city councillors

Today the city council's culture cabinet member, Councillor Steve Pitt, approved plans to set up a charitable organisation that will create a memorial to mark the pandemic at a future date.

It is planned the Portsmouth Coronavirus Memorial Trust will first hold a public consultation to gauge how city residents would like to memorialise those affected, including loved ones who died, workers and volunteers.

Speaking at a virtual culture meeting James Daly, a cultural development and projects officer at the council, said: ‘We anticipate that the public will expect the city to mark the coronavirus pandemic including people who very sadly passed away and also the extraordinary efforts we've seen from the city.

‘Clearly it's a situation that's affected everyone in some way, shape or form.

‘We would expect the trust to consult widely with the public because we know that memorials are important as remembrance but also as part of the healing process so it's important people in the city feel ownership of it.

‘It's important to state we’re clearly in the middle of the situation at the moment so the time for talking about details is much further on.’

He added: ‘Such an organisation (the trust) could apply for funding in a way that local authorities can’t.

‘There clearly are lots of options around a physical memorial and memorial activities but those are much further down the line.’

Cllr Claire Udy, who represents Charles Dickens ward, wanted to make sure key workers were recognised as part of the memorial.

She said: 'Obviouslya lot of people, especially in areas like Charles Dickens, are healthcare workers, care workers and key workers and they've been working through the pandemic.'

Cllr Pitt confirmed it would memorialise everyone affected by the pandemic.

He said: ‘The important part of this is not pre-determining what it looks like but making sure that we have a vehicle there that is able to meet the needs the community tells us they want addressed as part of any memorial process going forward.’

Relatives of those who have died have welcomed the move.

As reported, 229 people have died at Queen Alexandra Hospital from Covid-19.

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