A CLYDEBANK councillor is to call for the local authority to look at erecting a memorial in the town to those who lost their lives to Covid.

Danny Lennie, who represents Clydebank Waterfront, has submitted a motion to the next West Dunbartonshire Council meeting calling for options for a commemoration, and an annual day of remembrance, to be considered, as well as a way of honouring key workers.

The Post recently told the story of the family of Patrick Rooney, 76, who died last year from Covid-19.

They want a community memorial to help Clydebank heal from the pandemic.

Mr Rooney’s family have have welcomed Cllr Lennie’s motion and the support shown by members of the public since our story was published on April 28.

Cllr Lennie’s motion, which has yet to be confirmed by the council, says there should be two memorials – one in Clydebank and one in Dumbarton and the Vale – and that members of the public, not the local authority, should be given the power to decide on the type of memorial and the locations for it.

The motion reads: “This council acknowledges the heartache, pain and suffering that the Covid-19 pandemic inflicted upon local residents in both halves of the local authority area.

“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.”

A poll of Post readers found 40 per cent back the idea of a memorial on Clydeside, either near West College Scotland or in the new Queens Quay development.

Three Queens Square and Dalmuir Park were also suggested as possible sites.

Patricia Rooney, Patrick’s daughter, told the Post the past year had been “horrendous” for everyone in the community and said the support from councillors and residents for a memorial in the town was very welcome.

She said: “It’s been such a good backing from councillors and it’s great that it’s going forward with the backing of Clydebank as a community.”

Cllr Lennie’s motion continues: “The location and type of memorial should be decided by the residents of Clydebank and Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven respectively.

“The council should contribute to the costs but we should also open this up to public subscription so that individuals and groups can have an opportunity to contribute and so that they can help to shape the final memorial for Clydebank and the one for Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven.

“A full report should be brought to a future council meeting for consideration by councillors which should include the feedback from our communities.

“The report should be mindful that some vulnerable people may have died in the early pandemic in our communities and in care homes, when testing was not readily available.”

The next council meeting is on Wednesday, May 26.