Councillors set to discuss how best to commemorate the 184 Rugbeians who lost their lives to covid-19

They will discuss the question tomorrow, April 20.
Cllr Neil Sandison in Holy Trinity Churchyard off Church Street, a location that Rugby's Lib Dems say could be utilised with a sculpture, monument or benches. Photo: Rugby Lib Dems.Cllr Neil Sandison in Holy Trinity Churchyard off Church Street, a location that Rugby's Lib Dems say could be utilised with a sculpture, monument or benches. Photo: Rugby Lib Dems.
Cllr Neil Sandison in Holy Trinity Churchyard off Church Street, a location that Rugby's Lib Dems say could be utilised with a sculpture, monument or benches. Photo: Rugby Lib Dems.

Councillors are set to discuss how the 184 Rugbeians who list their lives to covid-19 might be commemorated.

The discussion, based on a proposal from Lib Dem councillor Neil Sandison, will take place at the April 20 borough council meeting.

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In his question, which will be put to the leader of Rugby Borough Council, Cllr Sandison wrote: "Many towns and cities are honouring and remembering the lost souls who fell victim to Covid 19.

"Some by the provision of sculptures, monuments or benches displayed in public open spaces.

"How will Rugby commemorate its 184 victims of Covid 19 in easily accessible open spaces and will we use the national campaign logo of a heart?"

When the Advertiser spoke with Rugby council leader Seb Lowe he said he agreed with the idea of commemorating the dead.

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He said: "I am aware of the question and I can say that we are absolutely committed to doing something to commemorate everyone who lost their lives and everyone who made sacrifices."

Cllr Lowe said that he believes there is cross party support for some effort, now or in the future, to find a way to commemorate the dead, and he is confident that all groups can work together to do so.

"Throughout the pandemic we have put politics aside and all parties in Rugby have worked together. We absolutely should do the same for this," he added.

Labour group leader Maggie O'Rourke also agreed with the principle of finding some way to remember Rugby's dead - but she added that she feels now is not the right time.

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She said: "We are not through this yet, I don't think the time is right.

"I don't think we should rush it, and when the time is right I think we should listen to the community and the families.

"Personally speaking - I like the idea of something the community can invest in rather than a statue or plaque.

"But I don't think we should be telling people what to do, people don't want politicians to tell them how to do things like this.

"This pandemic has been overwhelming, I work in the health service and we're not through it yet. I think it's too soon."