DUMBARTON and the Vale could both have memorials to the lives lost to the Covid-19 pandemic, say councillors.

West Dunbartonshire Council voted unanimously to look into public spaces in both communities, as well as Clydebank, dedicated to remembering loved ones.

It would also recognise the sacrifices and contributions by residents across the area to get through the crisis.

Councillor Danny Lennie moved a motion at the meeting last week to acknowledge the “heartache, pain and suffering” from the pandemic.

The motion states: “Council recognises the calls by our communities for some sort of memorial to allow us to recognise and commemorate the loss of loved ones.

“The memorial could be in the form of a garden, a plaque, a public artwork or other physical representation where families could attend throughout the year at a time of significance to them such as a birthday, religious holiday, the date the family member died.

“There could also be the option of an annual day of remembrance, where family and friends come together for a service of remembrance.

“In addition, the commemoration could also make reference to all the key workers who provided help and support throughout the public health emergency and who often comforted families and loved ones in their time if need.”

There could also be an annual day of remembrance.

The location and type of memorial would be determined by residents of each area, paid for by the council but also with the option of business or public contributions to the cost.

Cllr Lennie said he was “really struggling” to understand the heartache for those who lost loved ones but had nowhere to go to remember them.

Councillor Gail Casey said the motion captured the “pain and suffering of the past year” and to acknowledge it and hope it never happens again.

Council leader Jonathan McColl thanked Cllr Lennie for bringing the motion. There had been a previous discussion last year about a future memorial but no specific plan.

Now council officials will prepare a report on the options available and how to progress the plans.

Cllr McColl said it was helpful to have the public in a leading role in taking forward the plans.

Councillor Karen Conaghan added that a memorial would allow residents to remember loved ones who died not from Covid but who nevertheless could not attend restricted funerals during it.

And she and Councillor Caroline McAllister welcomed that the motion called for three memorials, in Dumbarton, in the Vale of Leven and in Clydebank.

It was passed unanimously.